Effect of Platelet-rich Plasma and Brief Electrical Stimulation Following Facial Nerve Neurorrhaphy in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND

With ongoing investigations to improve facial nerve recovery after injury, brief electrical stimulation (BES) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application have become promising modalities. The usage of combined modalities has not yet been investigated. We aimed to evaluate differences in facial nerve regeneration between rats receiving BES (group 1) and rats receiving BES plus PRP (group 2) following transection and primary neurorrhaphy.

METHODS

This was a prospective randomized animal study of 2 groups of 6 rats that underwent facial nerve transection and repair at the main trunk of the nerve. Both groups received BES on postoperative day 0 for 1 hour using an implantable stimulation device, with group 2 additionally receiving concurrent PRP. The primary measure of whisker amplitude was recorded from 2 to 8 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

At week 2, the average whisker amplitude for groups 1 and 2 was 6.5 and 2.0 degrees, respectively. At week 4, group 1 remained unchanged at 6.1 degrees, whereas group 2 improved to 10.1 degrees. By 6 weeks, average amplitudes were 8.2 and 14.0 degrees, respectively. By week 8, measures were 9.8 and 16.7 degrees, respectively. All results were statistically significant ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Application of BES and PRP following neurorrhaphy in a rat model yields a greater effect than BES alone in expediting facial nerve recovery.