Effect of self-reinforced polyglycolide membrane on osteogenesis: an experimental study in rats

This study is part of a series of studies evaluating self-reinforced polygl ycolide (SR-PGA) membranes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effec t of SR-PGA membrane on osteogenesis in order to assess its use in tissue e ngineering and bone regeneration. SR-PGA membranes (15x20 mm) were implante d over the femoral diaphyseal bone of 27 Wistar rats (over the periosteum). Each membrane was stabilized using a Dexon suture cerclage. Rats were foll owed-up for 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 15 and 30 weeks. Histology and microradiography were used to evaluate bone formation. The membranes were excised and tested for their tensile strength properties, the results of which are published in a separate report. Bone formation periosteally was seen in 21/27 cases ( 77.8%, confidence interval 57.7-91.4). It occurred in all cases at 1, 2 and 3 weeks. At 6 weeks, it was seen in three out of four cases but at 8 weeks , only in one out of three cases. Bone formation seen as thickened cortex w as detected at 15 weeks in all of the three cases and at 30 weeks in three out of six cases. Hence, bone formation was seen in most of the cases when SR-PGA membranes were applied around rats' femora. They can be recommended for use in bone tissue engineering and regeneration.