An experimental animal investigation of vertical bone augmentation utilizing biomimetic scaffolds and autogenous bone grafts

WANG Wen-jie; LI Zhi; HAO Li; LIU Chao; ZHOU Hong-zhi; LI Wei

doi:10.15956/j.cnki.chin.j.conserv.dent.2024.10.002

Abstract：AIM:To compare the osteogenic effect between 3D printed simulated biomimetic scaffolds and autologous bone blocks in the vertical bone augmentation of rabbit calvarium.METHODS:Biomimetic scaffolds were designed with simulated trabecular bone,and bioactive glass porous scaffolds were obtained through digital light 3D printing technology.Sixteen male adult New Zealand white rabbits were selected,and 4 of bone graft materials were implanted on the top of the rabbit calvarium,namely 2 implants were autologous bones of bilateral rabbit femoral condyles and the other 2 implants derived from 3D printed porous scaffolds.The grafted bones were firmly fixed by titanium screws,covered with absorbable collagen membrane and sutured.The experimental rabbits were euthanized 12 weeks after the operation to obtain rabbit bone samples,and Micro-CT tomographic scanning analysis was performed and bone tissue sections were made along the long axis direction of the diameter of the bone blocks for imaging and histological morphometric analysis.RESULTS:Vertical bone augmentation was achieved in both bone grafting areas of the two materials.Micro-CT analysis showed that the height of new bone in the biomimetic scaffold(3.70±0.57)mm was significantly higher than that of the autologous bone block(2.73±1.10)mm,P＜0.05.Histomorphological analysis showed that the area of new bone in the biomimetic scaffold(15.28±3.36)mm2 was significantly higher than that of the autologous bone block(6.46±1.98)mm2,(P=0.002).CONCLUSION:The 3D printed porous bioactive glass scaffold showed demonstrates superior space maintenance capability and enhanced osteogenic effects in vertical bone augmentation of rabbit skulls.