Mandibular reconstruction: a histological and histomorphometric study on the use of autogenous scaffolds, particulate cortico-cancellous bone grafts and platelet rich plasma in goats

Twenty-eight goats underwent a continuity resection of the mandibular angle. In all goats primary reconstruction was carried out using specially designed pre-shaped osteosynthesis plates and monocortical screws. The original cortical scaffold was used to bridge the defect, filled with an autogenous particulate bone graft in 14 goats, whereas platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) was added in another 14 goats. Both groups were divided in three subgroups that were sacrificed after 3, 6 and 12 weeks. Histological and histomorphometric evaluation revealed that the use of PRP enhanced the bone healing considerably. This effect was statistically significant and particularly visible in the 6 and 12 weeks' groups.