Efficacy of platelet-rich albumin and fibrin gel in two-stage lateral sinus lift: a prospective study.

Abstract

Background: Maxillary sinus lift procedures require biomaterials that combine osteogenic potential with structural stability. This study evaluates Albumin-Platelet-Rich Fibrin (Alb-PRF), a novel autologous material, as a standalone graft alternative in two-stage lateral sinus lifts, addressing limitations of rapid resorption in traditional platelet concentrates.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on nine patients (mean age: 48.5 years) with residual bone height <5 mm. Alb-PRF was prepared by heat-treating platelet-poor plasma to form an albumin gel, combined with PRF. The gel was placed via lateral window technique without supplemental grafts. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) assessed vertical bone gain (VBG) and density at 6 months. Statistical analysis used paired t-tests (SPSS v22, α = 0.05).

Results: Mean VBG was 5.07 ± 1.78 mm (range: 2.2-7.9 mm), with significant improvement from baseline (3.58 ± 1.2 mm to 8.65 ± 1.75 mm, *P* < 0.001). Radiographic bone density averaged 322.7 ± 36.4 Hounsfield units, indicating homogeneous osteogenesis. One membrane perforation occurred (11.11%), with no postoperative complications.

Conclusion: Alb-PRF achieved clinically significant bone gain without traditional grafts, leveraging prolonged scaffold stability (4-6 months) and growth factor release. Its autologous nature and low complication profile make it a promising alternative, though larger studies are needed to validate long-term implant outcomes.