Evaluation of 3D computer-assisted patient’s specific scaffold seeded with autogenous stem cells and platelet-rich fibrin in alveolar cleft repair.

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluation of the treatment outcome of using patient-specific implantable scaffolds seeded with autogenous bone marrow mononuclear cell layer containing stem cells and platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of alveolar cleft defect. Materials and methods: 12 alveolar cleft defects were divided into 2 groups; group A, six alveolar defects were treated using 3D printed patient’s specific implantable PLLA scaffolds seeded with autogenous bone marrow mononuclear cell layer containing stem cells and platelet-rich fibrin. Group B, six alveolar defects were treated with standard anterior iliac crest cortico-cancellous alveolar bone grafting procedures. Clinical and radiographic assessments were done to compare between two groups. Results: The results Showed that after 6 months group A was radiographically significantly less dense than the autogenous grafting group and when compared to Bergland’s scale there was no significant difference in bone loss after 6 months. Conclusion: Although this technique may not be the best choice regarding the density of bone formation, however within the limitations of this study, the results showed that this technique may be a new solution for transformation of the persistent cases of chronic oronasal fistula patients who underwent multiple failed autogenous bone grafting from a state of chronic fistulation to normal alveolar bone augmentation candidates.