Radiographic and Histological Analysis of Bony Defect Correction In Vivo

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in vivo study was to appraise the wound healing sequence at the area between two blocks aproximated by osteodistraction. METHOD: The sample consisted of six female Sus scropha young pigs in mixed dentition. Alveolar defect with 4mm of width, 8mm in lenght and 10mm in depth was surgically performed 30 days before the appliance installation. Extraosseous device (Conexão™) was employed to the bone segment transport towards the alveolar defect closure. Four days after the corticotomy delimiting the segment to be transported and the distractor device attachment, resorbable collagen membrane (Ossix – 3i™) for guided tissue regeneration was applied covering the alveolar defect and the screw activation started with 0,5mm/12 hours, during four days. RESULTS: The healing process was evaluated radiographic and histologically at 6, 13, 20, 27 and 48 days after applied the membrane, revealing densitometric gradual increases in the radiographs and, histologically, healthy woven bone formation with bony bridges in indirect contact areas and direct fusion in intimate contact surfaces. The membrane had not been totally resorbed in last observation period. The control animal did not undergo any surgical procedure and provided the histological control features. The woven bone histological features and the osteoblasts cytoskeleton behavior were compared themselves and with the control bone, showing continuity in wound healing at the 48th day. CONCLUSION: The results presented fusion between both bone surfaces without fibroepithelial ingrowth, suggesting that the proposed technique can be used as an alternative to secondary and delayed graftings.