The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Temporomandibular Joint After Radiotherapy in Rabbits.

OBJECTIVES:: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was administered into the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) space, which had been exposed to radiotherapy (RT), in an attempt to prevent and/or treat the late-term complications associated with RT when used for the treatment of head and neck cancers (nasopharyngeal cancer in particular) on the musculoskeletal system.

METHODS:: A total of 13 adult male New Zealand ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) rabbits were used in the study. The animals were classified into 3 groups: 6 in the RT group, 6 in the RT+PRP group, and 1 in the control group (exposed to neither). The TMJ space of each rabbit was exposed to 2240 cGy external RT in total, and PRP was administered into the TMJ space 1 month later. The joints were surgically removed 1 month later and examined histopathologically.

RESULTS:: In the group given RT+PRP, the level of inflammation, amount of muscle fibrosis, vascular wall fibrosis, synovial membrane and condyle cartilage thickness, temporal extrabone fibrous cell layer count, and intramuscular changes were similar to those recorded in the control group, although the positive effects of PRP were not found to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:: The findings of the present study demonstrate that injections of PRP may increase joint inflammation and therefore enhance blood supply, resulting in the onset of regeneration. These favorable effects of PRP may be helpful in the fight against late-term musculoskeletal complications of RT and may minimize such side effects as sore jaw, malnutrition, and weight loss.