Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Mg-based membrane as a barrier for guided bone regeneration in rabbits calvaria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine rabbits had four critical size defects created in each calvarium, randomly filled with a blood clot or bovine xenograft. One side was covered with the Mg-based membrane, and the control was left without membrane. After 8 weeks, histomorphometric analysis was performed to compare new bone formation with the pristine bone. RESULTS: Mg-supported membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR) is safe and promotes bone formation in critical size defects (CSD) in a rabbit calvaria. Gas accumulation was observed in a third of the specimens due to membrane degradation. Histomorphometric analysis revealed greater bone formation in the defects grafted with the Mg membrane (4.85 ± 1.73 mm(2)) compared to the blood clot (2.14 ± 2.22 mm(2)). Treating lesions with filler or the magnesium membrane resulted in significantly higher bone formation in all three examined regions (25%-62%). New bone formation was observed beyond the original bone envelope. CONCLUSION: Mg-based membrane supports guided bone regeneration (GBR), and when used in combination with a bone graft, enhances the performance despite the gas accumulation associated with membrane degradation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Limited data exist on the use of Mg-based membranes in GBR and its effect on bone formation.