Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2025
Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials
Published on: August 13, 2019
Maxillary sinus floor augmentation using sponge- and cotton-like graft materials in a rabbit model
Seigo Ohba1, Rena Shido2, Hideyuki Yamamoto3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Showa University School of Dentistry, 2-1-1 Kitasenzoku, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 145-8515, Japan; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan.
Hydroxyapatite/collagen (HAp/Col) and β-tricalcium phosphate/poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (β-TCP/PLGA) show promise for maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA). β-TCP/PLGA demonstrated superior volume maintenance and bone formation over 24 weeks compared to HAp/Col.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Background:
- Current granular bone graft materials for maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) exhibit poor handleability.
- Composite materials like hydroxyapatite/collagen (HAp/Col) and β-tricalcium phosphate/poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (β-TCP/PLGA) offer potential advantages for MSFA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the bone-forming capabilities of HAp/Col and β-TCP/PLGA composite materials in a rabbit model of MSFA.
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy and bone regeneration potential of these novel graft materials.
Main Methods:
- A maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) rabbit model was utilized.
- HAp/Col or β-TCP/PLGA was implanted, and specimens were harvested at 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks.
- Micro-computed tomography and histological analyses were performed to assess augmented volume and bone formation.
Main Results:
- β-TCP/PLGA maintained augmented volume up to 24 weeks, whereas HAp/Col showed significant volume reduction after 4 weeks.
- Bone mineral content (BMC) dynamics differed, with HAp/Col showing initial increases then significant decreases, while β-TCP/PLGA exhibited a trend of increase followed by a decrease.
- Both materials were retained in the sinus cavity, with β-TCP/PLGA persisting longer (24 weeks) than HAp/Col (16 weeks).
Conclusions:
- Both HAp/Col and β-TCP/PLGA are viable bone graft materials for MSFA, facilitating new bone formation and offering improved handleability.
- The choice between HAp/Col and β-TCP/PLGA should consider the specific clinical application and desired bone properties.
- β-TCP/PLGA appears to offer superior long-term volumetric stability in MSFA compared to HAp/Col.
