Bone formation utilizing titanium reinforced barrier membranes

Abstract

Advances in bone reconstructive techniques have increased the indications for implant placement in sites previously thought to be unsuitable. This clinical study evaluated a new surgical technique for the treatment of a variety of localized bone defects in four patients utilizing a titanium-reinforced membrane. The membrane material was developed to maintain a large protected space between the membrane and the bone surface without the need for a supportive device. Healing was uneventful in all sites, and the membranes were retrieved after 6 to 12 months. No residual defects were noted, resulting in an average change of implant exposure of 8.2 +/- 2.3 mm for sites with buccal dehiscences and from 5 to 6 mm ridge enlargement in localized bone defects. The quality of the regenerated tissue under the titanium-reinforced membrane appeared as bone structure with a superficial fibrous layer. This fibrous layer was more pronounced in sites treated with a membrane alone but was more than compensated by the quantity of new bone under the soft tissue. The results demonstrated that the use of a reinforced membrane appears to be a viable alternative for the clinical treatment of non-space-maintaining implant/bone defects. Further clinical and experimental investigations are recommended.