Critical-size defects reconstruction with four different bone grafts associated with e-PTFE membrane: A histomorphometric experimental in vivo study

Abstract

Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess the newly formed bone and the remnant biomaterial by comparing four different bone grafts used to treat critical-size defects, associated or not with the non-resorbable membrane. Materials and Methods: Two calvaria critical-size bone defects were created in 50 male Wistar rats. They were divided into blood (G1), autogenous (G2), bioglass (G3), hydroxyapatite (G4), and xenograft (G5) groups, associated or not with e-PTFE. The experimental periods were 15 and 45 days. Sections were prepared for histomorphometric assessment. All data were analyzed by the mixed-effects model with multiple comparisons (significance level, p.05). All groups had a stable volume of biomaterial kept in the short term (p >.05). G2 was the best material for new bone formation and final volume of biomaterial, followed by G4 < G5 < G3. Thus, it is possible that G4 had a better degradation profile among the experimental groups. Conclusions: The best results were found in the autogenous group, with higher resorption and integration; non-significative new bone was found among the experimental groups; and the regeneration of critical bone defects using an e-PTFE barrier did not present significant results on new bone formation.