Incomplete bone regeneration of rabbit calvarial defects using different membranes

The present study describes the use of a degradable and a non-degradable material for guided bone regeneration. Forty rabbits were divided into 5 groups. Bicortical defects 15 mm in diameter were prepared in rabbit calvaria. A titanium microplate was placed over the defect to prevent collapse of the membrane. The calvarial defects of 2 groups were covered by an outer expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane respectively by a Polyglactin 910 membrane. Bicortical ePTFE membranes or Polyglactin 910 membranes were used in 2 other groups. The defects were not covered by membranes in the control group. Undecalcified sections were prepared for histologic evaluation after an observation period of 8 weeks. Complete bone healing of the defects was not observed in any of the specimens. The Polyglactin 910 material lacks physical strength, resulting in collapse of the membrane and brain tissue herniation into the defects. Subsequently, bone regeneration was impaired. The cellular reactions due to degradation of the material were minor and did not interfere with bone healing. Defects covered bicortically by ePTFE membranes revealed the largest amount of regenerated bone. The ePTFE membrane induced a severe cellular reaction, but no inhibition of bone regeneration was noted.