The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a unique resorbable bovine bone screw to stimulate bone formation. Bovine bone screws were inserted in the tibia of beagle dogs. Each animal received 8 screws, divided into groups A (screws + no membranes), B (screws + titanium reinforced membranes), and C (bone defects treated with autogenous bone grafts). Animals were killed at 2, 4, and 6 months. New bone was measured with a periodontal probe and reported an average of 7.4 mm in vertical bone gain for group B, 3.6 mm for group A, and 1.7 mm for group C. Submission to Kruskal-Wallis test showed statistical differences among groups (P < .05). Histologic examination revealed an intimate contact between the newly formed bone and the resorbing bone screws. We conclude that bovine bone screws provide an environment for new bone formation and thus may provide an alternative therapy for enhancing bone formation vertically, including for regenerative procedures as well as before implant therapy.
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