ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Periosteal expansion (PEO) results in the formation of new bone in the space created between existing bone by expanding the periosteum. PEO has already been performed on rabbit parietal bone and effective new bone formation has been demonstrated. In this study, the utility of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membrane as an activator was evaluated in the more complex morphology of the mandible. METHODS: A PET membrane coated with hydroxyapatite (HA)/gelatine was placed in the rabbit mandibular bone at lower margin of mandibular molar region underneath periosteum, and screw-fixed. In the experimental group, the membrane was bent and screw-fixed along the lateral surface of the bone, with removal of the outer screw after 7 days followed by activation of the membrane. The experimental group was divided into two subgroups: with and without a waiting period for activation. Three animals were euthanized at 3 weeks and another three at 5 weeks postoperatively. Bone formation was assessed using micro-CT as well as histomorphometric and histological methods. RESULTS: No PET membrane-related complications were observed. The area of newly formed bone and the percentage of new bone in the space created by the stretched periosteum did not significantly differ between the control and experimental groups. However, in the experimental group a greater volume was present after 5 weeks than after 3 weeks. Histologically, bone formation occurred close to the site of cortical bone perforation, with many sinusoidal vessels extending through the perforations in the new bone into the overlying fibrous tissue. Inflammatory cells were not seen in the bone.
