Use of a platelet-rich fibrin membrane to repair traumatic tympanic membrane perforations: a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Traumatic tympanic membrane (TM) perforations are common ear injuries.
• Current treatment options for TM perforations include the paper patch technique.
• There is a need for improved methods to enhance TM healing and hearing recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes in repairing traumatic TM perforations.
• To compare PRF membrane treatment with the paper patch technique regarding closure rates, healing time, and audiological outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, prospective study involving 60 patients with traumatic TM perforations.
• Patients were divided into two groups: PRF membrane treatment (Group 1) and paper patch technique (Group 2).
• Outcomes assessed included perforation closure rate, speed of healing, and improvement in the air-bone gap.

Main Results:

• The PRF group showed a closure rate of 93% compared to 83% in the paper patch group (p > 0.05).
• Full TM closure was observed by day 10 in 80% of the PRF group versus 53% in the paper patch group (p < 0.05).
• The PRF group experienced a greater improvement in the mean air-bone gap (14.1 dB) compared to the paper patch group (12.4 dB) by post-operative day 45 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes offer a promising new approach for treating traumatic tympanic membrane perforations.
• PRF treatment resulted in significantly faster healing and more successful audiological results compared to the paper patch method.
• The PRF technique provides a single-procedure solution for TM perforation repair, potentially reducing the need for secondary interventions.