Delayed bone healing by collagen membrane in early phase of 4 weeks.

Objective: Barrier membranes are important in maintaining space in guided bone regeneration process by preventing downgrowth of epithelial or connective tissue. In this study, the effects of resorbable membranes during the early stages of bone regeneration in rats with impaired bone healing capacity were investigated.

Study Design: Twenty-eight rats were selected for this study. Half of the animals were selected for radiation therapy before surgical procedure (G3, G4). Animals were assigned into 4 groups (G1-G4). A circular defect was created in the central parietal bone. It was covered with resorbable membrane in G2 and G4. After 4 weeks, the animals were sacrificed.

Results: At week 4, the new bone formation was observed around the margin of old bone in G1, G2 and G4 groups. Osteoclast was most abundant in the G1 group (18.3 ± 7.7) and least abundant in the G4 group (7.9 ± 4.7). The mean of osteocalcin levels in blood was the highest in the G2 group and lowest in the G3 group. Only G4 group showed significant difference in Runx2 levels between before-treatment and after- treatment.

Conclusions: Bone healing is adversely affected after radiation therapy. In addition, resorbable membranes can delay healing in the early stages of bone regeneration.