EFFECT OF SCHEDULED AUTOLOGOUS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA GUIDED INJECTION ON THE HEALING PROCESS OF CRITICAL-SIZED MAXILLARY BONY DEFECTS AFTER SURGICAL REMOVAL OF NON-MALIGNANT LESIONS: A PROSPECTIVE INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Objectives: Critical-sized maxillary bone defects (CSMBDs) present significant clinical challenges that may exceed intrinsic physiological healing capacity. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains high concentrations of platelets and growth factors that may enhance osteogenesis and accelerate bone healing. However, the clinical effect of scheduled serial PRP injections, in CSMBDs without graft materials, is insufficiently investigated. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients with CSMBDs (≥2 cm³) received intraoperative PRP and scheduled guided injections at 2-week intervals for a total of six sessions using a prefabricated stent. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed pre-operatively and 12 weeks post-operatively. Statistical Analysis: Volumetric bone fill, bone density, post-operative pain and complications were recorded. Results: By week 12, the mean pre-operative defect volume showed 66.5 ± 1.2% bone fill (p < 0.001). Regenerated bone demonstrated mean density of 876.4 ± 22.7 Hounsfield Unit (HU). Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) decreased significantly (p < 0.001). No complications were reported. Conclusions: Serial, stent-guided PRP injections without graft materials may provide substantial volume and density of bone regeneration with favorable patient-reported outcomes. Clinical Relevance: Serial, stent-guided PRP injections may serve as a minimally invasive adjunct to enhance bone regeneration in CSMBDs, offering a potential alternative to grafting approaches.