Effects of platelet-rich fibrin prepared with titanium on facial nerve regeneration: an experimental study

Introduction: Facial nerve damage is a condition that causes functional, psychological, and cosmetic problems; and treatment methods need to be improved. Objective: We investigated the efficacy of titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin as a healing enhancer at the region of transection of the facial nerve. Methods: Twenty-seven New Zealand male rabbits were used in this study, divided into three experimental groups. Group 1, the sham group (n=7); Group 2, the suture group (n=10); and Group 3, the suture+T-PRF group (n=10). In Group 1, the facial nerve trunk was dissected, and no additional surgical intervention was performed. For Group 2, a transection was made to the facial nerve trunk and the nerve endings were sutured together. In Group 3, nerve endings were sutured after transection, and a titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin membrane was wrapped in a tube around the damaged area. All animals were followed up weekly for the presence of corneal reflex, whisker movement and low ears. Bilateral facial electromyography was performed both preoperatively and postoperatively at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th weeks. Tissue samples obtained at the 10th week were histopathologically examined, and intra-group and inter-group comparisons were performed. Results: Subjects in Group showed improvement in whisker movement and ear drop one week earlier than Group 2. In Group 3, the nerve stimulation threshold required to trigger the compound muscle action potential had returned to values similar to the preoperative control values (11.312.16V) by 5 weeks postoperatively (12.51 +/- 3.97V), (p=0.249). Conclusion: Titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin administration contributed to partial nerve healing both on a functional and an electrophysiological level.