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Updated: May 3, 2026
Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials
Published on: August 13, 2019
Island osteoperiosteal flap vitality when isolated from basal bone by silicone interposition: an experimental study
Purpose:
This study sought to confirm, through histologic evaluation, the vitality and viability of the island osteoperiosteal flap (i-flap) in a rabbit tibia model.
Materials And Methods:
In four rabbits, an osteotomy was performed on the tibial aspect of the right leg. A bone flap was raised, but the periosteal attachment was kept intact. The free-floating i-flap was separated from the rest of the bone by a silicone sheet. The rabbits were to be sacrificed after 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks and histologic samples examined.
Results:
All surgeries were accomplished successfully; however, three animals showed fractured tibiae within a few days after surgery and were sacrificed immediately after the fractures were discovered. The fourth rabbit was sacrificed at 4 weeks. Histologic specimens showed vital new bone in the i-flap area and signs of remodeling in the transition zone and the original basal bone.
Conclusion:
The i-flap remained vital. This suggests potential for use in bone augmentation strategies, particularly for the alveolar split procedure.
