The Feasibility of Demineralized Bone Matrix for Craniofacial Contour Restoration: An Experimental Study

Purpose: The histological behavior of DBM was investigated in different tissue planes to determine the proper application plane for restoration of craniofacial contour deformities. Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into six groups: 0.3 cc of 0.9% saline was injected into subperiosteal plane of cranium; 0.3 cc of DBM was implanted into subperiosteal plane of cranium; 0.3 cc of 0.9% saline was injected into subdermal plane on the left inguinal region; 0.3 cc of DBM was implanted into subdermal plane on the right inguinal region; 0.3 cc of 0.9% saline was injected between left external and internal oblique muscles; 0.3 cc of DBM was implanted between right external and internal oblique muscles. At the eighth week half of the rats and at the sixteenth week the remaining rats were sacrificed in each group and tissue samples were harvested. Results: Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation revealed new bone tissue and bone marrow formation in all planes, that DBM was given. Conclusions: Demineralized bone matrix can provide satisfactory results in craniofacial contour deformities including forehead, temporal, mental, malar and perialar augmentations and saddle nose corrections, with supraperiosteal or deep subcutaneous applications. However, superficial applications must be avoided because of the possibility of palpation.