Application of autogenous periosteum as a membrane in sinus lifting.

AIM: To evaluate the success level of autogenous periosteum in sinus lifting as a barrier membrane which contributes positively to wound healing and is effective in bone formation without the risk of tissue rejection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 32 male New Zealand rabbits were used and were divided into four groups, in which eight rabbits were placed randomly. Sinus lifting with lateral window technique was applied bilaterally to all rabbits. In the first group, the upper face of the graft materials applied was left open. In the second group, the removed bone walls were placed back over the graft materials. In the third group, synthetic membranes were placed over the graft materials. In the fourth group, the autogenous periosteums obtained from tibias of the rabbits were placed over the graft materials. After 6 weeks, the rabbits in all groups were sacrificed, and the operated regions were examined histologically, and stereological assessments were conducted regarding new bone formation, connective tissue, and osteoblasts.

RESULTS: After a 6-week recovery period, synthetic membrane showed the highest success rate regarding new bone formation. Autogenous periosteum, which achieved the second highest success rate regarding new bone formation, was the first in the number of osteoblasts.

CONCLUSION: Autogenous periosteum was considered to have the potential to be an alternative to synthetic membranes.