The healing process of palatal tissues after palatal surgery with and without implantation of membranes: an experimental study in dogs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the wound-healing process clinically and histologically in growing beagle dogs after palatal repair according to von Langenbeck, with and without implantation of membranes of a copolymer of polyhydroxybutyrate 80%-hydroxyvalerate 20% (=PHB-co-HV 80/20). Von Langenbeck's repair was performed in 12 dogs (age 12 wk), while von Langenbeck's repair followed by implantation of PHV-co-HV membranes was carried out in 11 dogs (age 12 wk). Four dogs (age 12 wk) served as unoperated controls. Standardized intra-oral slides of the palate were taken and measurements of the wound surface areas were carried out. Histological sections were prepared at three different ages. The animals were studied until the age of 25 wk. It was found that wound closure after the von Langenbeck's procedure took about 3 wk, while the use of PHB-co-HV membranes after von Langenbeck's repair resulted in complete wound closure after approximately 7 wk after the membranes had sequestered. At the age of 25 wk, the histologic results after the von Langenbeck procedure showed that the entire scar tissue covering the former denuded bony areas was attached to the bone by means of Sharpey's fibres, while after implantation of the membranes only local scar tissue attachment by means of Sharpey's fibres was found. Further research is necessary to develop a membrane which allows wound closure without sequestration of it. Copyright 1998 Chapman & Hall