In situ soft tissue regeneration using periosteal distraction: A preliminary study in the rat calvarial model

In this study, we aimed to evaluate soft tissue generated by periosteal distraction.

Management of soft tissue defects represents a challenge in dentistry. Previous periosteal distraction studies documented partial fill of the distraction space with newly-generated bone and fibrous connective tissue.

Titanium meshes were inserted in subperiosteal tunnels in the calvaria of 20 rats through coronal incision. The devices were immediately activated after insertion by elevation of one side at 1 mm/day for 3 days. Rats were then divided into two groups (n = 10). Animals were sacrificed after 2 weeks (Group 1) and after 4 weeks (Group 2). Distraction sites specimens were embedded in paraffin and analyzed histologically and histomorphometrically.

In both groups, new periosteum was regenerated and covered the original bone surface in the distraction site. Distraction spaces showed a predomination of hyper-vascularized connective tissue and little new bone formation near to the stable end of the device. The 4-week findings showed more organized collagen fibers with less vascularity compared to the 2-week findings.

The periosteal distraction technique can effectively regenerate connective tissue. It may open a new modality in the guided tissue regeneration for soft tissue augmentation.