J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  1998 Dec;25(8):1437-1443.

Evaluation of frontal bone erosion of young rabbit and its recovery after tissue expansion

• Bang SI
• Lee ET
• Park CG

Abstract

Among the complications associated with tissue expansion, bony depression under the expander is frequently observed clinically, especially under the tough skin like scalp. To investigate the bony change during the expansion and its reversability, we divided 21 young rabbits into 7 groups. After the insertion of tissue expander on the frontal bone, each groups are sacrificed at 1,2,3 weeks after tissue expansion, 1,2,3 months after removal of tissue expander, and for control, 4 weeks after insertion of expander without expansion. Bony changes are evaluated by gross findings, radiographic findings, and histologic findings. Progressive tissue expansion induces significant gross bony changes in skull of young rabbit. This bony changes consist of erosion underlying tissue expander, with bony ridging and bone deposition at the periphery of the expander. These gross findings correlates with the histomorphologic findings; osteoclastic bone resorption under the expanders with periosteal reation at the periphery of the expanders. The bony changes is not simply a pressure deformation, but also is a remodeling effect. Increased bone resorption and inhibition of bone formation occur until the pressure is removed. After removal of the expanders, reparative bone remodeling begins and nearly complete healing of the cranial defects occurs. On the basis of this study, we conclude that tissue expansion causes significant but reversible effects on cranial bone of young rabbit.

MeSH Terms

Bone Remodeling
Bone Resorption
Depression
Frontal Bone*
Osteoclasts
Osteogenesis
Rabbits
Scalp
Skin
Skull
Tissue Expansion Devices
Tissue Expansion*