PURPOSE

Herniation of soft tissue into craniectomy defects during healing can inhibit bone regeneration. Rigid absorbable materials can be used as a scaffold over bone defects to allow osteoprogenitor cells to migrate into the defect. The purpose of our study was to determine if the use of a calcium phosphate-coating would encourage bone integration into the absorbable scaffold and enhance guided bone regeneration in these defects.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Fifteen rabbits received two 8 mm cranial defects. Left-sided defects were covered with calcium phosphate coated Lactosorb sheets. Right-sided defects were covered with uncoated Lactosorb sheets.

RESULTS

Rabbits were harvested at 2, 4, and 6-month time intervals. At 6 months, bone regeneration was complete. No structurally significant differences were noted between the coated and uncoated Lactosorb. Defects covered with the calcium phosphate coated Lactosorb did not demonstrate increased bony integration into the scaffold material.

CONCLUSION

Our study noted no significant histologic difference in bone regeneration between the coated and uncoated absorbable scaffolds. There was no evidence of increased bone incorporation into the coated Lactosorb sheet itself. Both scaffold materials successfully prevented the herniation of soft tissue and allowed for guided bone regeneration between the bilaminar scaffolds.