The Effect of Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin With an Iliac Crest Bone Graft on Alveolar Bone Formation: A Systematic Review
In brief
Five studies suggest platelet-rich fibrin improves bone formation after cleft grafting
Of 116 articles identified, five studies found better bone-formation outcomes when platelet-rich fibrin was added to iliac crest grafts for people with cleft lip and/or palate, though the differences were not always statistically significant. All studies had methodological concerns, so whether the added concentrate delivers lasting clinical benefit remains uncertain.
- Journal
- The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal : official publication of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (Q1)
- Published
- 22 October 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review of cohort studies
- Evidence level
- Level 2, Moderate (CEBM 2a)
- Authors
- Shankargouda Patil, Sonia Sabu, Shilpa Bhandi, Samuel Thomas, Aayushi Shah, Hayden Dehoyos, et al.
- PMID
- 42910826
- DOI
- 10.1177/10556656261499561
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (top studies of the week, 25 October 2026): Cleft alveolar bone grafting and bone formation outcomes
Abstract
ObjectiveAlveolar bone grafting in individuals with cleft lip and/or palate is typically performed using the iliac crest as the donor site. Platelet-rich fibrin is a concentrate rich in growth factors that can promote bone formation. This review evaluates the effect of using this concentrate along with alveolar bone grafts on bone formation in people with cleft lip and/or palate.DesignThis systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, and PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched with appropriate search terms. Data were exported to EndNote Online, and duplicates were removed. After screening, full-text articles were retrieved, and only those meeting the inclusion criteria were further assessed. Data were extracted, and the methodological quality of the articles was appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.SettingNot applicable.PatientsIndividuals with cleft lip and/or palate.InterventionsAlveolar bone grafting using the iliac crest.Main outcome measureDetails on volume, percentage of newly formed bone, density, height, and width of the bone over time in the cleft lip and/or palate.ResultsOf 116 articles retrieved from the databases, 5 were included in the review. All studies indicated better outcomes when using platelet-rich fibrin with the graft, although the results were not always statistically significant. Methodological concerns were noted across all studies.ConclusionPlatelet-rich fibrin may enhance bone formation at the alveolar cleft site when used with iliac crest grafts. However, more rigorous long-term studies and clinical trials are needed to obtain definitive evidence.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.