Platelet-Rich Fibrin for treating temporomandibular disorders in adults: a Scoping Review protocol

INTRODUCTION: Different biologically active products have been applied for management of pain and mandibular functional disability in intra-articular TMD but without the ability to effectively control degenerative joint disease. Platelet concentrates aim to enhance tissue healing and facilitate its regeneration. Intra-articular injections of liquid Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) in patients with TMD have demonstrated effectiveness in the management of pain and dysfunction, also having a stimulatory effect on cartilage and bone tissues. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to examine how research has been conducted regarding use of PRF as a treatment tool for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will focus on studies that address adults with TMD without restrictions on gender or ethnicity. TMD will be classified according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) physical axis (Axis I). Also, we will include publications in any language or date of publication. METHODS: This protocol will follow the JBI guidance for Scoping Reviews. We shall conduct a literature search to identify published research, with no limits on year of publication/conception, format, or language. Two independent reviews will screen and select publications, based on inclusion criteria. Review decision process will be provided in a flowchart based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations for Scoping Reviews. Finally, we shall present extracted data from each study in piloted forms in conceptual categories such as intervention type, population and sample size, duration of intervention, aims, methodology adopted, key findings and gaps in the research.