GTR treatment of intrabony defects with PLA/PGA copolymer or collagen bioresorbable membranes in combination with deproteinized bovine bone (Bio-Oss)

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the results of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) treatment of intrabony defects with two kinds of bioresorbable membranes, with deproteinized bovine bone (Bio-Oss) used as an adjunct. Twenty-eight patients with at least one intrabony defect with a probing pocket depth (PPD) >/=7 mm and radiographic evidence of an intrabony component (IC) >/=4 mm were randomly treated with either a polylactic/polyglycolic (PLA/PGA) acid copolymer or a collagen bioresorbable membrane combined with Bio-Oss implantation. Immediately prior to surgery (baseline) and after 1 year, the following parameters were recorded: (1) PPD, (2) gingival recession (REC), (3) probing attachment level (PAL), (4) presence/absence of plaque (PI), and (5) presence/absence of bleeding on probing (BOP). Occurrence of membrane exposure during healing and the smoking habits of the patients were also recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out using chi(2) -tests and t-tests. There were no significant differences between the two membrane groups regarding the clinical parameters at baseline. Statistically significant clinical improvements (PAL gains, reduced PPDs) were observed 1 year after treatment in both groups. There were no significant differences, however, between the PLA/PGA and the collagen membrane groups regarding any of the evaluated parameters (mean PAL gain: 2.9 mm vs 3.9 mm; mean residual PPD: 4.8 mm vs 4.1 mm, respectively). The membrane material per se does not seem to be a critical factor for the outcome of GTR treatment of intrabony defects with bioresorbable membranes.