Wound healing in beagle dogs after palatal repair without denudation of bone

The connection of scar tissue to palatal bone by Sharpey's fibers, after cleft palate surgery, might lead to maxillary growth inhibition. The aim of this study, in beagle dogs, was to investigate the possibility of preventing the development of Sharpey's fibers by means of a modified surgical technique. In group 1, palatal repair according to von Langenbeck, was simulated. In group 2, palatal surgery was performed using a new partially split flap technique. The palates were histologically evaluated 12 weeks after surgery and compared with a control group. In group 1, the scar tissue was firmly attached to bundle bone by means of Sharpey's fibers. In group 2 and in the control group, this kind of attachment was not found; the bone was of the lamellar type. The partially split flap technique had led to the development of vaguely demarcated scar tissue and it had prevented, to a large extent, development of Sharpey's fibers.