Osseointegration of subperiosteal implants using bovine bone substitute and various membranes

An earlier study revealed incomplete osseointegration of individually made titanium subperiosteal implants covered by ePTFE membranes and fixated to the rabbit tibial bone surface. In addition, the newly-formed bone was dominated by large marrow spaces. In this subsequent study, subperiosteal implants were also fixated on the bone surface of both tibia of 9 Copenhagen White rabbits. Bio-Oss(R) particles were packed densely covering the entire implant surface. One of 3 different membranes covered the implant and the particles. The membranes used were the degradable Polyglactin 910(R) mesh, a degradable bilayer collagen membrane and the non-degradable ePTFE membrane. Undecalcified sections were prepared for histologic evaluation after a 12 weeks' observation period. All 18 subperiosteal implants were completely osseointegrated. In addition, the marrow spaces were reduced compared to our previous study. The Bio-Oss(R) particles proved to be biocompatible and osteoconductive. The ePTFE membranes revealed neither signs of collapse nor adjacent infiltration of inflammatory cells. The Polyglactin 910 mesh and the bilayer collagen membranes collapsed slightly. There were signs of resorption of the surface of the newly-formed bone under the degradable membranes. The cause of resorption can not be documented.