Three-dimensional evaluation for augmented bone using guided bone regeneration

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated new bone regeneration beyond the skeletal envelope within an occlusive titanium cap on rabbit calvaria using microfocus computed tomography images. METHODS: In 10 rabbits, the calvaria was exposed and a circular groove was prepared. After penetrating the marrow, a standard hemispherical titanium cap was placed in the groove and covered with a cutaneous flap. After 1 or 3 months, the animals were killed and the calvariae and titanium caps were dissected. After taking microfocus computed tomography images of the specimens, histological sections were made. The specimens were observed using three-dimensional images constructed from the microfocus computed tomography images, and the histological sections were examined to compute bone parameters. RESULTS: The three-dimensional images and histological specimens showed that new bone formed in flat, cup-like, and dome shapes. The bone parameters trabecular thickness and the proportion of marrow space to the capacity of the titanium cap increased, whereas bone density decreased, and there were significant differences between the 1- and 3-month groups. DISCUSSION: First, a cylinder of new bone formed from the existing bone. Gradually, bone formed along the cap wall and the new tissue formed in a crater indented centrally. Finally, the new tissue formed in the shape of a dome. CONCLUSION: Trabecular bone formed along the wall of the titanium cap, and bone filled the inside of the cap within 3 months.