Influences of mechanical barrier permeability on guided bone augmentation in the rat calvarium

We used radiological and histological analyses to evaluate the effects of mechanical barrier permeability in a rat model of calvarial guided bone augmentation (GBA). The calvaria of 20 rats were exposed, and one of four types of plastic caps (an occlusive cylindrical plastic cap; a plastic cap with no top; a plastic cap with three holes; and a plastic cap with four holes) was randomly placed on both sides. Newly generated bone in the plastic caps was evaluated with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological analysis. Micro-CT volumetric analysis and decalcified hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections showed that GBA barrier permeability was inversely associated with the quantity of augmented bone obtained. Masson's trichrome staining showed that collagen in newly generated bony tissue was more mature in plastic caps with three holes than in those with more-permeable or more-occlusive barriers. Bone augmentation was inhibited in specimens exhibiting invasion of soft tissue through penetrating holes, and barrier permeability was associated with the quantity of augmented bone developed. In conclusion, moderate barrier permeability is optimal for development of mature augmented bone.