Effects of Preparation Technique on Periosteal Microcirculation After Autologous Bone Augmentation in an Animal Model

This controlled in vivo experimental study examines the impact of 2 periosteum preparation techniques on microcirculation during bone augmentation with isogenic bone grafts in rats. Twenty female Lewis rats were divided into 2 groups (n = 10 each). In one group, the periosteum was prepared with a conventional periosteal elevator; in the other, a piezoelectric device was used. After graft implantation at calvarial sites, intravital microscopy was performed postoperation (day 0) and on days 3, 8, and 28 immediately to assess microvascular parameters: functional capillary density, blood flow velocity, and vessel diameter. Statistical analysis was conducted using analysis of variance on ranks with P < .05. The piezoelectric device group showed higher mean values for functional capillary density, blood flow velocity, and vessel diameter than the conventional instrument group, though differences were not statistically significant. This study suggests that periosteum preparation with a piezoelectric device does not significantly differ from conventional methods regarding microcirculatory outcomes. Either method appears viable for preserving microcirculatory integrity during bone augmentation. Further research in larger models and clinical contexts is recommended to confirm these findings.