Bone regeneration by periosteal elevation using conventional orthodontic wire and uHA/PLLA mesh

This study evaluated bone regeneration by periosteal elevation using conventional orthodontic wire and an unsintered hydroxyapatite (u-HA)/poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) mesh in rabbit frontal bone. Thirty two rabbits (12-16 weeks: 2.5-3.0 kg) were used in this study. In the experimental group, 1 week after the mesh was inserted under the periosteal membrane, it was elevated by traction using the mesh connected with wire and two anchor screws. In the control group, the mesh was kept inserted under the periosteal membrane. Four animals were killed in each period in both groups, at 2, 3, 5 and 9 weeks postoperatively. Operated parts in the frontal bone were removed and prepared for radiological and histological assessment. The distance between the mesh and pristine bone (elevation length), the bone area and the expression of BMP-2 were evaluated. The value in the experimental group was significantly higher when compared to the control group (length P < 0.0001, bone area P < 0.0010, BMP-2 P = 0.0015). The BMP-2 labelling index after 3 weeks tended to be the largest in both groups. This study suggests that bone regeneration can be induced by periosteal elevation using a conventional orthodontic wire and an uHA/PLLA mesh.