Autologous platelet concentrates as adjuvant in the surgical management of medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw

Abstract

Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is an infectious side effect associated with bisphosphonates and monoclonal antibodies (denosumab, immune modulators, and antiangiogenic medications). Adjunctive therapies for the surgical management of MRONJ include autologous platelet concentrates (APCs). These APCs serve as a source of various cells and growth factors that aid tissue healing and regeneration. This review evaluated the use of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), plasma‐rich in growth factors (PRGF), and leukocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin (L‐PRF) as adjuvant therapies for the surgical management of MRONJ by conducting analyses on the results of 58 articles. Compared to surgical treatment alone, the application of PRP and L‐PRF after surgery appears to increase healing in the management of patients with MRONJ. No studies have reported unhealed lesions as a result of surgical treatment of MRONJ with PRGF application or compared it with surgical treatment alone. The overall results of this review have shown favorable healing rates of MRONJ lesions managed with the application of APCs after surgical treatment; however, significant methodological limitations may limit the scientific evidence supporting their use. Further randomized controlled trials with strict criteria are needed to establish the extent to which APCs can improve wound healing and quality of life in patients with MRONJ requiring surgical treatment.