Pedicle Periosteum as a Barrier for Guided Bone Regeneration in the Rabbit Frontal Bone

Abstract

Background/aim: For alveolar ridge reconstruction prior to dental implant placement, a barrier membrane is placed to create space over the bone defect. Although periosteum possesses osteogenic capacity, direct contact between defects and periosteum has been avoided. The present study aimed to investigate whether pedicle periosteum could be used as a barrier membrane.

Materials and methods: Twelve rabbits were used. A U-shaped incision was made in the frontal bone, and the skin-periosteum over the frontal bone was stripped. Two trephine-drilled holes with a diameter of 5 mm were prepared in the frontal bone. One hole was covered with pedicle periosteum (periosteum side), and the periosteum was secured to the contralateral side. The other defect was covered with an occlusive membrane (membrane side).

Results: The histological observation showed that both defects, which were covered either by the periosteum or by the membrane, were closed almost completely after 12 weeks of healing. No statistically significant difference was observed in the bone defect closure rates between the two sides at 4 and 12 weeks.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the pedicle periosteum possesses regenerative effects equivalent to those of occlusive membrane. The periosteum contributes to new bone formation by acting as a mechanical barrier and a source of osteogenic components.

Keywords: Alveolar ridge augmentation; X-ray microtomography; bone regeneration; dental implants; skull.

Figure 1. (A) The skin-periosteum was stripped from the frontal bone. Two circular defects were made using a trephine burr. (B) One defect was covered with the periosteum (right side, sutures) and the contralateral defect was covered with the PTFE membrane (left side, arrow). Scale Bars: 5 mm.

Figure 2. Representative histological observations on the periosteum side after 4 weeks of healing (hematoxylin and eosin staining). (A) Lowermagnification (Scale bars: 1 mm); (B) Higher magnification (Scale bars: 100 μm). Arrow: Initial edges of the defect; NB: newly-formed bone.

Figure 3. Representative histological observations in the membrane side after 4 weeks of healing (hematoxylin and eosin staining). (A) Lower magnification (Scale bars: 1 mm); (B) Higher magnification (Scale bars: 100 μm). Arrow: Initial edges of the defect; NB: newly-formed bone; M: membrane.

Figure 4. Representative histological observations in the periosteum side after 12 weeks of healing (hematoxylin and eosin staining). (A) Lower magnification (Scale bars: 1 mm); (B) Higher magnification (Scale bars: 100 μm). Arrow: Initial edges of the defect: NB: newly-formed bone.

Figure 5. Representative histological observations in the membrane side after 12 weeks of healing (hematoxylin and eosin staining). (A) Lower magnification (Scale bars: 1 mm); (B) Higher magnification (Scale bars: 100 μm). Arrow: Initial edges of the defect; NB: newly formed bone; M: membrane.