Efficacy of diced cartilage with or without platelet-rich fibrin in an animal nasal septal perforation model

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of diced cartilage and platelet-rich fibrin–wrapped diced cartilage in nasal septal perforation repair. Methods. Thirty-six rabbits were allocated to three groups. The Control group underwent repair with flaps; the Diced Cartilage group received cartilage grafts with flaps; and the Diced Cartilage plus Platelet-Rich Fibrin group received platelet-rich fibrin–coated diced cartilage with flaps. Results. Persistent perforations occurred in all controls. Closure rates were 66.7 per cent in the Diced Cartilage group and 81.8 per cent in the Diced Cartilage plus Platelet-Rich Fibrin group, both significantly higher than controls (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between graft groups. Fibrosis level and re-epithelialisation scores were significantly increased in both graft groups versus controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Inter-positional graft use is crucial for successful nasal septal perforation repair; diced cartilage is an effective alternative when block cartilage is unavailable, and platelet-rich fibrin combination may further enhance outcomes.