Comparison of histomorphometry and microCT after sinus augmentation using xenografts of different particle sizes in rabbits

Assessment of the osteogenic effect after maxillary sinus floor elevation and simultaneous implantation with or without bone grafts by analyzing trabecular bone parameters: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this population-based retrospective study was to compare the osteogenic effect of newly formed bone after maxillary sinus floor elevation (MSFE) and simultaneous implantation with or without bone grafts by quantitatively analyzing trabecular bone parameters.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 100 patients with missing posterior maxillary teeth who required MSFE and implantation were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: the non-graft group (n=50) and the graft group (n=50). Radiographic parameters were measured using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and the quality of newly formed bone was analyzed by assessing trabecular bone parameters using CTAn (CTAnalyzer, SkyScan, Antwerp, Belgium) software.

RESULTS

In the selected regions of interest, the non-graft group showed greater bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), bone surface/total volume (BS/TV), trabecular number (Tb. N), and trabecular thickness (Tb. Th) than the graft group (p<0.001). The non-graft group showed lower trabecular separation (Tb. Sp) than the graft group (p<0.001). The incidence of perforation and bleeding was higher in the graft group than in the non-graft group (p<0.001), but infection did not significantly differ between groups (p>0.05). Compared to the graft group, the non-graft group showed lower postoperative bone height, gained bone height and apical bone height (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

MSFE with and without bone grafts can significantly improve bone formation. In MSFE, the use of bone grafts hinders the formation of good quality bone, whereas the absence of bone grafts can generate good bone quality and limited bone mass.

Comparison of the Volume and Histological Properties of Newly Formed Bone after the Application of Three Types of Bone Substitutes in Critical-Sized Bone Defects

This study aimed to compare the volume and quality of the newly formed bone following application of two types of xenografts and one synthetic material in bone defects in rabbit calvaria from histological and micro-CT aspects. Four 8-mm defects were created in 12 rabbit calvaria. Three defects were filled with bone substitutes and one was left unfilled as the control group. The newly formed bone was evaluated histologically and also by micro-CT at 8 and 12 weeks after the intervention. The percentage of osteogenesis was comparable in histomor-phometric assessment and micro-CT. Histological analysis showed that the percentage of the newly formed bone was 10.92 ± 5.17%, 14.70 ± 11.02%, 11.47 ± 7.04%, and 9.45 ± 5.18% in groups bovine 1, bovine 2, synthetic, and negative control, respectively after 8 weeks. These values were 33.70 ± 11.48%, 26.30 ± 18.05%, 22.92 ± 6.30%, and 14.82 ± 8.59%, respectively at 12 weeks. The difference in the percentage of the new bone formation at 8 and 12 weeks was not significant in any group (P > 0.05) except for bovine 1 group (P < 0.05). Micro-CT confirmed new bone formation in all groups but according to the micro-CT results, the difference between the control and other groups was significant in this respect (P < 0.05). All bone substitutes enhanced new bone formation compared with the control group. Micro-CT assessment yielded more accurate and different results compared with histological assessment.

Early tissue and healing responses after maxillary sinus augmentation using horizontal platelet rich fibrin bone blocks

BACKGROUND

The effects of horizontal platelet-rich fibrin (H-PRF) bone block on the healing and immune response during sinus augmentation have not been fully investigated histologically at early time points.

METHODS

Eighteenth male New Zealand white rabbits underwent bilateral sinus augmentation and were divided into two groups: deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) alone and H-PRF + DBBM (H-PRF bone block) group. Maxilla samples were collected at 3, 7 and 14 days post sinus augmentation procedures and analyzed using histological staining for the number of inflammatory cells, new blood vessels and evidence for early osteoclast bone turnover/remodeling. Furthermore, the effects of H-PRF bone blocks on the migration of osteoblasts and THP-1 macrophages were evaluated using a Transwell assay in vitro.

RESULTS

A higher number of immune cells were found in the H-PRF bone block group at 3 and 7 days post-surgery when compared to the DBBM alone group,most notably in the regions close to the mucosal lining and bone plates. Furthermore, a significantly greater number of new blood vessel formations and early signs of osteoclast development were found in the H-PRF bone block group at 14 days. The in vitro transwell assay further confirmed that culture medium from H-PRF bone block markedly promote the migration of osteoblasts and THP-1 macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study have shown that H-PRF bone block is capable of increasing early immune cell infiltration leading to the acceleration of neovascularization and speeding the process of bone metabolism in vivo following maxillary sinus grafting with DBBM.

Influence of the use of autogenous bone particles to close the access window after maxillary sinus floor augmentation: a micro-computed tomography and positron emission tomography study in rabbits

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate using microCT and positron emission tomography (PET) analysis, the influence on bone healing of the placement of particulate autogenous bone in the antrostomy, and in the subjacent region after maxillary sinus elevation with xenograft.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The sinus mucosa was elevated in sixteen male New Zealand rabbits and they were both grafted with a collagenated cortico-cancellous porcine bone. The antrostomy and the near subjacent region were filled with either the same xenograft (control site) or with particulate autogenous bone (test site) harvested from the tibia. The antrostomies were covered with collagen membranes. MicroCT (measured in Hounsfield Units) and microPET (kBq/cm3) using sodium fluoride infiltration (18F-NaF) were performed at the time of euthanasia that was performed after 1 and 8 weeks of healing, using 8 animals in each group. The Wilcoxon test was used for analysis.

RESULTS

At the microCT analysis, after 1 and 8 weeks of healing, no statistically significant differences were found between groups. Bone increased and xenograft decreased significantly between the two periods of healing. At the microPET analysis, the percentage of bone increased significantly over time in both test and control groups and no significant differences were found between groups.

CONCLUSION

The placement of autogenous bone in the antrostomy and the subjacent region after maxillary sinus elevation did not enhance bone formation compared with sites where only xenograft was used. Both microCT and microPET showed increase bone formation over time.

Evaluation of Two Configurations of Hydroxyapatite and Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate in Sinus Grafts with Simultaneous Implant Installation: An Experimental Study in Rabbits

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate peri-implant bone formation in rabbits after sinus grafting mediated by hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate (HA + β-TCP) in granule or paste configurations, concomitant with immediate implant installation.

MATERIAL & METHODS

Thirty-four rabbit maxillary sinuses were grafted with HA + β-TCP, half of which were applied in a granule and half in a paste composition. Implant placement was performed simultaneously. At 7 and 40 days postoperatively, the animals were euthanized, and samples were prepared for tomographic, microtomographic, histological, histometric (hematoxylin and eosin staining, HE), and immunohistochemical (labeling of transcription factor Runx-2 [RUNX2], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], osteocalcin [OCN], and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase [TRAP]) analysis. Implant removal torque was also measured.

RESULTS

On tomography, maintenance of sinus membrane integrity was observed in both the groups. Higher values of morphometric parameters evaluated by micro-CT were found in the "paste group" after seven days. At 40 days, there were no significant differences between the groups in most of the microtomographic parameters evaluated. In histological sections stained with HE, a higher percentage of newly formed bone was observed in the "granule group" after 40 days. Similar positive immunolabeling was observed for both RUNX2 and OCN in both the experimental groups. TRAP immunolabeling was similar in both groups as well. VEGF labeling increased in the "granule group", indicating a higher osteoconductive potential in this biomaterial. Similar removal torque values were observed in both groups. Thus, the two HA + β-TCP configurations showed similar healing patterns of simultaneously installed implants adjacent to sinus floor elevation. However, significantly higher bone values were observed for the "granule configuration".

CONCLUSIONS

The HA + β-TCP granules and paste presentations showed favorable long-term healing results, with bone formation in similar quantities and quality adjacent to the implants.

Healing Patterns of Non-Collagenated Bovine and Collagenated Porcine Xenografts Used for Sinus Floor Elevation: A Histological Study in Rabbits

Objective: To compare healing of collagenated and non-collagenated xenografts used for maxillary sinus floor elevation. Materials and Methods: Two different xenografts were used: deproteinized bovine bone (DBBM group) and collagenated corticocancellous porcine bone (collagenated group). Healing was studied after 2, 4, and 8 weeks. The loss of dimensions of the elevated area and the percentages of new bone, xenograft remnants, osteoclastic zones, vessels, inflammatory infiltrates, and soft tissues were analyzed. Three regions were evaluated: close to the bone walls (bone wall region), subjacent the sinus mucosa (submucosa region), and the center of the elevated area (middle region). The primary variables were the percentage of new bone and xenograft remnants. Results: Between 2 and 8 weeks, the elevated areas showed a reduction of 16.3% and 52.2% in the DBBM and collagenated groups, respectively (p < 0.01 between the two areas after 8 weeks). After 8 weeks, the highest content of new bone was observed in the bone wall region, which was higher in the collagenated group than in the DBBM group (41.6% and 28.6%, respectively; p < 0.01). A similar quantity of new bone was found between the two groups in other regions. A higher percentage of vessels in all regions evaluated (p < 0.01) and soft tissue in the sub-mucosa region (p < 0.05) was found in the collagenated group than in the DBBM group. Conclusions: The present study showed that both xenografts allowed new bone formation. In comparison with the non-collagenated xenograft, the collagenated xenograft underwent higher resorption, resulting in greater shrinkage of the elevated space after sinus lifting and a higher content of new bone in the regions close to the bone walls. Clinical relevance: In this study, the region adjacent to the bone wall showed the highest new bone content. This region resembles the base of the sinus, closest to the sinus floor and walls, and is the most important region from a clinical point of view because it is where the implant will be installed. Residues of the biomaterial remained after 8 weeks of healing. Other reports have shown that these biomaterial residues may interfere with the integration of implants.

Clinical and Histological Healing after Maxillary Sinus Floor Elevation

Sinus floor elevation is a surgical procedure that allows for the insertion of the implant in the posterior region of the maxilla in case of insufficient volume of native bone. Several studies have reported a high success rate, and this has helped to spread this surgical procedure around the world. The subject has been extensively studied and this could lead researchers to think that no new scientific evidence can be provided. However, new ideas and discoveries show that research never reaches a conclusion, and that new information can be added all the time. This collection aimed to provide new evidence that could be added to daily clinical work and to provide new ideas for future research.

Effect of different thresholds on the accuracy of linear and volumetric analysis of native- and grafted-bone

The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of Micro-CT in linear and volumetric measurements in native (NB) and grafted bone (GB) areas. A total of 111 biopsies of maxillary sinuses grafted with deproteinized bovine bone (DBB) in humans were evaluated. The linear measurements were performed to measure the length of the NB and GB. Furthermore, the amount of mineralized tissues at the NB and GB was performed. In the histomorphometry analysis the percentage of mineralized tissues at the NB and GB was obtained in two histological sections while the mineralized tissues were measure in the micro-CT varying the thresholds of the grayscale varying from 90-250 to 90-150 with 10 levels of variation between each one was applied. Then these data were correlated in order to check the higher r level between the histomorphometry and micro-CT thresholds intervals. The linear length of the NB was 2.44±0.91mm and 2.48±1.50mm, respectively, for micro-CT and histomorphometry (r =0.57), while the linear length of the GB was 3.63±1.66mm and 3.13±1.45mm, respectively, for micro-CT and histomorphometry (r =0.74) Histomorphometry showed 45.91±11.69% of bone in NB, and 49.57±5.59% of bone and biomaterial in the GB. The total volume of mineralized tissues that were closest to the histometric analysis were 43.75±15.39% in the NB (Threshold:90-240; r = 0.50) and 51.68±8.42% in the GB (Threshold:90-180; r =-0.028). The micro-CT analysis showed good accuracy in the linear analysis in both portions of the biopsies but for volumetric analysis just in NB.

The impact of deproteinized bovine bone particle size on histological and clinical bone healing outcomes in the augmented sinus: A randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

The effect of different deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particle sizes on bone healing in maxillary sinus floor augmentation remains unclear. This study compared the newly formed tissue and angiogenesis-related bone healing after sinus floor augmentation using large or small DBBM particles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Overall 32 patients were randomly divided into two groups using either large (1-2 mm) or small (0.25-1 mm) DBBM particles for sinus floor augmentation. After 6 months, the mineralized tissue volume was calculated using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. The newly formed tissue composition was histomorphometrically analyzed. Angiogenesis was also examined by means of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Implant failure and marginal bone loss were measured at a 1-year follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using independent samples t-test.

RESULTS

Micro-CT analysis demonstrated that grafting with large particles resulted in higher bone volume (6.99 ± 2.72 mm³ , p = 0.002) and Bone Volume/Tissue Volume (0.25 ± 0.1, p = 0.03) compared with small particles (3.76 ± 1.83 mm³ and 0.14 ± 0.13, respectively). Small particles showed higher non-mineralized tissue volume (26.31 mm³ ) compared with large particle group (17.4 ± 5.34 mm³ ) with p = 0.001. The histological data revealed significantly higher area of newly formed bone (32.15% ± 14.04% for the large particle and 15.99% ± 14.12% for the small particle groups, p = 0.004). Likewise, non-mineralized tissue was significantly greater in the small particle group (66.48% ± 20.97%) compared with the large particle group (44.36%, p = 0.016). Moreover, use of large particles resulted in a significantly higher VEGF staining intensity score and VEFG positive cells. No implant failure was recorded in both groups, while no difference was found in terms of marginal bone loss at the 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Sinus floor augmentation using large DBBM particles resulted in more angiogenesis expression, higher bone volume, and new bone formation at 6 months after sinus augmentation. However, clinical outcomes with regards to implant placement were similar in both groups.

Histomorphometric, Immunohistochemical and Microtomographic Comparison between Autogenous and Xenogenous Bone Blocks for Mandibular Lateral Augmentation in Rabbits

BACKGROUND

The volumetric and biological behaviors of equine block grafts compared with autogenous block grafts have not yet been assessed. Hence, the aim of the present study was to compare-by means of histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and microtomography-the graft incorporation and remodeling processes of autogenous and equine xenogenous bone blocks used for mandibular lateral augmentation in rabbits.

METHODS

Autogenous bone grafts harvested from the iliac bony crest and equine block grafts were secured to the lateral aspect of the mandible angle of eighteen rabbits. The healing after 7, 20 and 60 days was assessed in six animals each period.

RESULTS

After 60 days, new bone was present 24.2 ± 11.2% and 31.6 ± 13.3% in the autograft and xenograft groups, respectively. A better integration to the recipient sites was observed in the autogenous compared with the xenogenous blocks.

CONCLUSIONS

Both xenogenous and autogenous bone blocks presented similar percentages of newly formed bone over time. However, bone volume, the quality of the grafted area and graft incorporation to the recipient sites were superior in the autogenous compared with the equine xenogenous graft sites.

Maxillary Sinus Augmentation Using Ceramic Alloplastic Granules or Paste: An Experimental Study in Rabbits

BACKGROUND

Due to the lack of data comparing the biological behavior of two formulations, granules and paste, of alloplastic graft from microtomographic and histomorphometric points of view, the aim of the present experiment was to compare the histomorphometric and microtomographic healing of two formulations, i.e., granules (MR sites) or paste (MR-inject sites) of an alloplastic graft composed of a combination of beta-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite used for maxillary sinus lifting.

METHODS

A sinus lifting procedure was carried out bilaterally in 20 rabbits, and the elevated space was filled with either paste or granules of an alloplastic material. A collagen membrane was placed on the antrostomy and the animals were euthanized after 2 or 10 weeks, 10 animals each group. Microtomographic and histological analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Higher proportions of new bone formation were found at the MR, compared to the MR-inject sites both after 2 weeks (2.65 ± 2.89% vs. 0.08 ± 0.12%; p < 0.01) and 10 weeks of healing (34.20 ± 13.86 vs. 23.28 ± 10.35%; p = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that new bone formation was faster in the MR sites, compared to the MR-inject. However, a longer time of healing should be allowed to make final conclusions about the efficiency in bone formation of the paste formulation of the biomaterial used in the present study.

Osteoconductivity of Bovine Xenograft Granules of Different Sizes in Sinus Lift: A Histomorphometric Study in Rabbits

Background: Due to the lack of data on bone-to-graft contact (BGC) over time in the various regions within the subantral space of the augmented sinus floor, the present study aimed to evaluate the osteoconductivity of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) with granules of different sizes applied in maxillary sinus floor elevation. Methods: A maxillary sinus augmentation was performed bilaterally in 18 rabbits using DBBM with particle dimensions of either 0.125–1.0 mm or 1–2 mm. The antrostomy was covered using a collagen barrier. The animals were euthanized in groups of six after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of healing. MicroCT and histological analyses were performed. Results: After 2 weeks of healing, BGC was 10.9% and 11.9% for the small and large granule sites, respectively. After 8 weeks of healing, the BGC increased to 65% and 62% at the small and large granule sites, respectively. The highest values were located close to the bony walls and the bony window. New bone content developed between 2 and 8 weeks from 7.0% to 27.6% and from 6.1% to 27.6% at the small and large granule sites, respectively. Conclusions: Similar outcomes in osteoconductivity and bone formation were found at both small and large DBBM granule sites.

Dimensional changes of the maxillary sinus augmented with a collagenated synthetic bone block or synthetic bone particulates: A pre-clinical study in rabbits

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of a collagenated synthetic bone substitute (C-SBS) to a particulated synthetic bone substitute (P-SBS) in volume maintenance and new bone formations in a rabbit sinus model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Either C-SBS or P-SBS was grafted in both sinuses of 16 rabbits. Four (N = 8) or 12 (N = 8) weeks after the surgery, total augmented volume (TAV) and area (TAA), as well as new bone volume (NBV) and area (NBA), were statistically compared by radiographic and histomorphometric analyses (p < .05).

RESULTS

The differences in TAV, NBV, TAA and NBA between C-SBS and P-SBS groups at 4 weeks were not statistically significant. The TAV (267.13 ± 62.08 vs. 200.18 ± 40.32 mm³ ) and NBV (103.26 ± 10.50 vs. 71.10 ± 7.58 mm³ ) in group C-SBS were significantly higher than in group P-SBS at 12 weeks (p < .05). The TAA (19.36 ± 2.88 vs. 14.48 ± 2.08 mm² ) and NBA (5.43 ± 1.20 vs. 3.76 ± 0.78 mm² ) in group C-SBS were significantly higher than in group P-SBS at 12 weeks (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Collagenated synthetic bone substitute grafted in rabbit sinuses demonstrated more favourable outcomes across all outcome measures compared to P-SBS at 12 weeks.

New bone ingrowth into β-TCP/HA graft activated with argon plasma: a histomorphometric study on sinus lifting in rabbits

BACKGROUND

In a previous experimental study, new bone was found growing within granules of HA/β-TCP. In vitro and experimental studies have shown increased protein adsorption and cell adhesion graft material bioactivated with Argon plasma. The aims of the present experiment were to study new bone ingrowth into β-TCP/HA granules used as filler material for sinus lifting and the influence on the healing of the bioactivation of the graft with argon plasma.

METHODS

Sinus lifting was carried out in 20 rabbits using 60% HA and 40% β-TCP as filler material either bio-activated with argon plasma (plasma group) or left untreated (control group). The antrostomies were closed with collagen membranes. Biopsies representing the healing after 2 and 10 weeks were collected, and ground sections were prepared for histomorphometric analyses. Various regions of the elevated space were analyzed both around (outer bone; OB) and inside (interpenetrating bone network, IBN) the graft particles.

RESULTS

After 2 weeks of healing, 8.2% and 9.3% (n = 10; p = 0.635) of total new bone (OB + IBN) was found in the plasma and control groups, respectively. Small fractions of IBN were found, spreading from the periphery inward of the graft particles. After 10 weeks of healing, the total new bone was 34.0% in the plasma and 31.3% in Control groups (n = 9; p = 0.594). The respective fractions of IBN were 18.0% and 16.0%. New bone was penetrating from the peripheral regions inside the remnants of graft particles, where it was forming a network of bridges in continuity to the remnants of biomaterial through its porosities. The biomaterial decreased in proportion between 2 and 10 weeks from 52.1 to 28.3% in the plasma group, and from 52.5% to 31.9% in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The bio-activation with argon plasma on a synthetic graft composed of 60% HA and 40% β-TCP used as filler material for sinus lifting showed a tendency to improve bone formation; however, the difference with the control group was neither statistically significant nor clinically relevant.