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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials
Published on: August 13, 2019
Histologic and ultrastructural analysis of regenerated bone in maxillary sinus augmentation using a porcine
Giovanna Orsini1, Antonio Scarano, Maurizio Piattelli
1Department of Stomatology and Oral Science, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
Background:
The purpose of the present study was the histologic and ultrastructural evaluation of a biomaterial composed of cortical pig bone in the form of granules.
Methods:
After maxillary sinus augmentation using this biomaterial, 10 specimens were retrieved after 5 months in 10 patients using this biomaterial. The specimens were processed to be observed under light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Histomorphometric measurements were presented by means +/- standard deviations.
Results:
LM showed that most of the particles were surrounded by newly formed bone. In some areas, the osteoid matrix was present; however, mainly compact bone was present at the interface. There was no evidence of an acute inflammatory infiltrate. The newly formed bone was 36% +/- 2.8% and marrow spaces were 38% +/- 1.6%, whereas residual grafted material was 31% +/- 1.6%. Under TEM, all phases of bone formation (osteoid matrix, woven, and lamellar bone) were observed in proximity with the biomaterial particles. The bone-biomaterial interface showed a close contact between the porcine bone particles and the surrounding bone that had mainly features of mature bone with numerous osteocytes. A lamina limitans was sometimes present at this interface.
Conclusions:
According to our knowledge, this is the first study presenting data on TEM of a porcine bone-derived biomaterial used in sinus augmentation procedures in humans. Our findings show that this is a biocompatible biomaterial that can be used for maxillary sinus augmentation procedures without interfering with the normal reparative bone processes.
