Investigation of the Effects of Platelet-rich Plasma on Surgically Created Temporomandibular Joint Cartilage Defects: An Experimental Animal Study

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are characterized by symptoms such as pain, clicking sound, and crackling in the jaw joint during chewing or mouth opening. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a cellular plasma component obtained from whole blood, containing high platelet concentration and hyperphysiological growth factors. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of PRP on surgically created TMJ cartilage defects. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 adult New Zealand rabbits (2500–3000 g) were included in the study. Full-thickness osteochondral defects were created by dividing into two groups as right TMJ joint group (experimental group; Group I) and the left TMJ joint group (control group; Group II). Full-thickness osteochondral defects were created on both sides, and PRP was applied to Group 1 and saline was applied to Group 2. After 1 week, both PRP and saline were readministered. Results: The subjects were sacrificed under general anesthesia 4 weeks later, and bilateral condylar heads were surgically removed. Although there was a histological and macroscopic difference between the groups, no significant difference was found. Conclusion: More comprehensive studies should be conducted by increasing the follow-up time, frequency, and number of PRP applications. In this experimental study, the application of PRP gave effective results.

Keywords

• growth factors
• histological evaluation
• macroscopic evaluation
• platelet-rich plasma
• temporomandibular joint