Vertical ridge augmentation using an equine bone and collagen block infused with recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB: a randomized single-masked histologic study in non-human primates.

The research article studies the use of equine bone and collagen block combined with a human growth factor to improve bone and soft tissue regeneration in the mandibular defects of non-human primates.

Methodology

• The study began by creating bilateral critical-sized defects in the mandibular region of non-human primates. These defects were meant to simulate severe atrophy seen in humans. Posterior teeth were extracted to create these defects.
• Next, test and control blocks were prepared. These were made from equine hydroxyapatite and collagen (eHAC). The test blocks were then infused with recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB), a growth factor that aids in tissue regeneration.
• The prepared blocks (test and control) were then grafted onto the respective defect sites in the primates. The difference between the test and control blocks was the presence of the growth factor in the test blocks.

Results

• Results were observed four months after the procedure, after which clinical and histologic examinations were performed.
• All grafted sites exhibited vertical ridge augmentation, indicating the successful integration of both the test and control blocks into the hard and soft tissue in the defect sites.
• The regeneration was slightly higher in the test sites, but this difference was not statistically significant. This suggests that the effect of the rhPDGF-BB may not be dramatically different from the control block. However, a tendency towards increased regeneration was still noted.

Conclusions

• Based on the results, the study concluded that the eHAC blocks infused with rhPDGF-BB are a feasible and predictable method for regenerating bone and soft tissue in critical-sized defects.
• This adds to the existing evidence that the use of eHAC blocks combined with growth factors can be beneficial for vertical augmentation of severely resorbed ridges.