Analyses Using Micro-CT Scans and Tissue Staining on New Bone Formation and Bone Fusion According to the Timing of Cranioplasty via Frozen Autologous Bone Flaps in Rabbits : A Preliminary Report

OBJECTIVE: The timing of cranioplasty and method of bone flap storage are known risk factors of non-union and resorption of bone flaps. In this animal experimental study, we evaluated the efficacy of cranioplasty using frozen autologous bone flap, and examined whether the timing of cranioplasty after craniectomy affects bone fusion and new bone formation. METHODS: Total 8 rabbits (male, older than 16 weeks) were divided into two groups of early cranioplasty group (EG, 4 rabbits) and delayed cranioplasty group (DG, 4 rabbits). The rabbits of each group were performed cranioplasty via frozen autologous bone flaps 4 weeks (EG) and 8 weeks (DG) after craniectomy. In order to obtain control data, the cranioplasty immediate after craniectomy were made on the contralateral cranial bone of the rabbits (control group, CG).The bone fusion and new bone formation were evaluated by micro-CT scan and histological examination 8 weeks after cranioplasty on both groups. RESULTS: In the micro-CT scans, the mean values of the volume and the surface of new bone were 50.13±7.18 mm(3) and 706.23±77.26 mm(2) in EG, 53.78±10.86 mm(3) and 726.60±170.99 mm(2) in DG, and 31.51±12.84 mm(3) and 436.65±132.24 mm(2) in CG. In the statistical results, significant differences were shown between EG and CG and between DG and CG (volume : p=0.028 and surface : p=0.008). The histological results confirmed new bone formation in all rabbits. CONCLUSION: We observed new bone formation on all the frozen autologous bone flaps that was stored within 8 weeks. The timing of cranioplasty may showed no difference of degree of new bone formation. Not only the healing period after cranioplasty but the time interval from craniectomy to cranioplasty could affect the new bone formation.