Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate 3-dimensionally whether vertical bone augmentation can be achieved using a hollow hydroxyapatite space-maintaining device in a rabbit calvarial model. Furthermore, different inner surface topographies, different permeabilities, and different porosities of the ceramic were tested to determine the optimal conditions for bone regeneration.
Study design: A total of 48 hollow domes made of hydroxyapatite in 4 different designs were placed subperiosteally on rabbit skull bone. The rabbits were humanely killed after 12 weeks, and the results were analyzed 3-dimensionally using micro-computed tomography.
Results: The results suggest a larger production of bone volume when using an occlusive, dense hydroxyapatite space-maintaining device with a rough inner surface.
Conclusions: Hydroxyapatite space-maintaining devices permit new bone formation and osteoconduction within the dome.
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