THE EFFICACY OF INTRALESIONAL INJECTION OF PLATELET RICH PLASMA FOR TRISMUS MANAGEMENT IN ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROUS PATIENTS AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, potentially malignant condition predominantly linked to areca nut chewing, commonly seen in South Asian populations. Among its most disabling manifestations is trismus, which significantly impairs essential oral functions such as speech, mastication, and hygiene. Conventional therapies offer only symptomatic relief with limited effectiveness in reversing fibrosis. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), owing to its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, is emerging as a promising alternative for tissue remodeling and functional recovery in OSMF.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intralesional platelet-rich plasma injections in improving mouth opening among adult patients with OSMF-associated trismus at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted over six months (August 2024 to January 2025) in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. A total of 30 patients aged 18–50 years, presenting with bilateral fibrous bands and mouth opening between 15 mm and ≤35 mm, were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. PRP was prepared from autologous blood via temperature-controlled centrifugation and injected bilaterally into the buccal mucosa weekly for six weeks. Mouth opening was recorded using a digital Vernier caliper at baseline and post-treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The study included 21 males (70%) and 9 females (30%) with a mean age of 37.2 ± 6.8 years. Mean mouth opening improved significantly from 24.5 ± 3.4 mm at baseline to 30.2 ± 4.6 mm after six weeks (p < 0.001). Stratification by age, gender, and oral habits showed no statistically significant differences in outcome. Mild localized pain at the injection site was reported in 10% of patients and resolved within 24 hours.

Conclusion: Intralesional PRP therapy demonstrated significant improvement in mouth opening in OSMF patients and presents a safe, minimally invasive, and effective alternative to traditional treatments.