Effect of a chitosan sponge impregnated with platelet-derived growth factor on bone augmentation beyond the skeletal envelope in rat calvaria.

We evaluated the ability of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) to promote bone augmentation beyond the skeletal envelope in rat calvaria. The calvariae of 14 rats were exposed, and two plastic caps-one with 0.03% PDGF and a chitosan sponge and one with a chitosan sponge alone-were placed. Microcomputed tomography and histologic sections were used to determine the amount of bone augmentation within the plastic caps. Bone volume was calculated using measurement software. Bone volume and amount of bone augmentation were significantly greater in the PDGF group than in the control group. In conclusion, a chitosan sponge containing 0.03% PDGF enhanced bone formation beyond the skeletal envelope in rat calvaria.