The role of Leucocyte-rich and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in the treatment of the medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ)

BACKGROUND: For the treatment of the bisphosphonates and other drugs related osteonecrosis of the jaws, currently medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ), have been established different conservative therapeutic approaches, avoiding surgery except in cases of extreme need. Given the controversy and lack of current consensus regarding MRONJ therapy in patients, new techniques have been developed among which the use of fibrin membranes rich in platelets and leukocytes (L-PRF). The objective of this review is to evaluate whether L-PRF treatment is really effective, as well as the results that can be achieved by this therapeutic alternative. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the literature in the PubMed/Medline database of all those studies using L-PRF in the treatment of osteonecrosis using the keywords “Osteonecrosis”, “Jaws”, “L-PRF” and “ Leucocyte-rich platelet-rich fibrin “. RESULTS: The use of L-PRF for the treatment of MRONJ is really effective, especially when it is performed with a simultaneous application of L-PRF and morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), even in patients submitted for long periods of time to therapy with intravenous bisphosphonates. However, success will depend on several factors such as the previous existence of infection or the clinical stage in which the patient is. CONCLUSIONS: The current literature demonstrates the effectiveness of the use of L-PRF in osteonecrosis, and it can be considered as a real alternative in the treatment of this entity. However, more clinical studies are needed to really assess this new therapy. Key words:Osteonecrosis, Jaws, L-PRF, Leucocyte-rich platelet-rich fibrin.