Use of bovine hydroxyapatite with or without biomembrane in sinus lift in rabbits: histopathologic analysis and immune expression of core binding factor 1 and vascular endothelium growth factor.

PURPOSE: Considering the clinical discussion on the necessity of using a barrier membrane in the osteotomy area of sinus lift procedures to prevent fibrous tissue formation in this area and as a physical limit, the aim of this study was to analyze and compare the use of bovine hydroxyapatite (HA) with and without a biologic membrane by histopathologic analysis and immune expression of core binding factor 1 and vascular endothelium growth factor in the sinus lift in rabbits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen male rabbits underwent bilateral sinus lift procedures and were divided into 2 groups according to the sinus filling material: group 1 received bovine HA (Bio-Oss; Geistlich Pharma AG, Wohlhusen, Switzerland) and group 2 received bovine HA and a nonporous polytetrafluorethylene membrane. All groups were sacrificed after 7, 14, 30, and 60 days for microscopic, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses.

RESULTS: Microscopic analysis showed a similar bone repair pattern between the tested groups. New bone formation, soft tissue, and the remaining material were analyzed by histomorphometric analysis. No statistically significant differences (P > .05) were detected between groups for all periods analyzed. In addition, no remarkable differences were noticed in core binding factor 1 or vascular endothelium growth factor immune expression.

CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results show that using a biologic membrane does not improve bone repair induced by bovine HA, as shown by histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses.