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Polylactide/polyglycolide copolymer in bone defect healing in humans
Carlo Bertoldi1, Davide Zaffe, Ugo Consolo
1Department of Neurosciences, Head-Neck and Rehabilitation, Section of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Biomaterials
|February 1, 2008
Summary
Poly-Lactide-co-Glycolide (PLG) polymer showed suitable results for healing severe jawbone defects, comparable to autologous bone grafts. While healing was delayed, PLG offers a viable alternative without needing a secondary donor site.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Large jawbone defects often require surgical intervention when non-surgical treatments fail.
- Autologous bone (AB) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are common regenerative materials.
- Poly-Lactide-co-Glycolide (PLG) polymer presents a potential alternative biomaterial for bone regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Poly-Lactide-co-Glycolide (PLG) polymer (Fisiograft) in healing large human jawbone defects.
- To compare the clinical, radiological, and histological outcomes of PLG with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) clot and autologous bone (AB) fillings.
- To assess the regenerative capabilities and bone formation characteristics of PLG in comparison to established treatments.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 19 male patients with large jawbone defects.
- Randomized allocation into three groups: PLG, PRP, or AB.
- Core biopsies at 4 and 6 months post-surgery for clinical, radiological, and histological assessment.
Main Results:
- All groups demonstrated clinical, radiological, and histological healing progress over time.
- Autologous bone (AB) yielded the best clinical and histological outcomes.
- Poly-Lactide-co-Glycolide (PLG) showed comparable results to AB, with enhanced bone activity and new lamellar formations at 6 months.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) group showed statistically different outcomes compared to AB and PLG.
Conclusions:
- Autologous bone (AB) remains the gold standard for treating severe bone defects.
- Poly-Lactide-co-Glycolide (PLG) offers suitable results for promoting healing in severe jawbone defects, demonstrating delayed but effective regenerative capability.
- PLG is a promising biomaterial as it does not require a secondary donor site, simplifying the surgical procedure.
