Contemporary Applications of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Mandibular Surgery With Implications for Mandibular Fracture...

Mandibular surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures, including the management of traumatic fractures and elective osteotomies, where optimal bone healing and soft-tissue regeneration are essential for successful clinical outcomes. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), a second-generation autologous platelet concentrate, has gained increasing attention because of its ability to provide a fibrin scaffold enriched with platelets, leukocytes, cytokines, and growth factors that promote angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and soft-tissue regeneration. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence regarding the biological basis, clinical applications, and therapeutic role of PRF in mandibular surgery, with particular emphasis on its implications for mandibular fracture management. A structured literature search of major electronic databases was performed to identify relevant studies evaluating PRF in mandibular surgical procedures, including traumatic mandibular fractures and elective mandibular osteotomies. The available evidence suggests that PRF may enhance radiographic bone healing, improve soft-tissue repair, reduce postoperative inflammation, and facilitate neurosensory recovery when used as an adjunct to conventional surgical management. However, the evidence specific to traumatic mandibular fractures remains limited, with much of the available clinical data derived from elective mandibular surgical procedures, including bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and related osteotomies. Furthermore, considerable heterogeneity exists among published studies with respect to PRF preparation protocols, application techniques, surgical indications, and outcome measures, limiting direct comparisons and definitive clinical recommendations. Current evidence suggests that PRF is a safe, relatively low-cost, and biologically promising adjunct in mandibular surgery; however, fracture-specific clinical evidence remains limited. Further well-designed multicenter randomized clinical trials employing standardized PRF preparation protocols and long-term follow-up, particularly in patients with traumatic mandibular fractures, are required to establish evidence-based recommendations for routine clinical use.