Chin Symphysis Bone, Allograft, and Platelet-Rich Fibrin: Is the Combination Effective in Repair of Alveolar Cleft?

PURPOSE: Secondary grafting of alveolar defects with iliac crest bone is a common treatment method in cleft patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of symphysis bone, allograft, and platelet-rich fibrin in regeneration of alveolar defects compared with iliac bone graft.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, patients with unilateral alveolar defects were divided randomly into two categories. Group A comprised patients in whom the combination of chin symphysis bone plus allogeneic bone material plus leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin was considered for treatment. Group B comprised patients in whom iliac bone graft was considered. Cone beam computed tomography before treatment and 1 year postoperatively was used for measurement of bone formation (bone volume in cubic centimeters). The data were analyzed by paired t and χ2 tests via SPSS software (version 23; IBM, Armonk, NY). P < .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: Each group included 10 patients (with 6 male patients in group A and 5 male patients in group B). The mean age of patients in groups A and B was 9.5 ± 1.5 years and 9.9 ± 1.9 years, respectively. The mean volume of alveolar defects was 0.89 ± 0.29 cm3 in group A and 0.95 ± 0.27 cm3 in group B. The percentage of bone regeneration in groups A and B was 69.5% and 73.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: It seems that chin symphysis bone plus allogeneic bone material plus platelet-rich fibrin is a proper combination for bone regeneration in alveolar defects with a small to moderate volume range.