Assessment of the bone regenerative process from fibular periosteum by in vivo micro computed tomography

The aim of this study was to examine the bone regenerative process from fibular periosteum in rats. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: a periosteum preservation (PP) group (n=15) and a periosteum removal (PR) group. In the PP group, the fibula was totally removed, but the periosteum and blood supply were preserved. In the PR group(n=5), the fibula was totally removed, including the periosteum. Radiological and histological findings were evaluated after operation. In the PP group, the increase in regenerative bone volume was highest at 1 week. At 2 weeks, the bone volume decreased transiently, but then continued to increase gradually until 4 weeks. There was little change after 4 weeks. The regenerative bone mineral density continued to increase gradually from 5 days until 8 weeks. In the PR group, there was no evidence of regenerative bone. These results suggest that the periosteum has osteogenic capacity and the peak of bone regeneration from the periosteum occurs around 4 to 6 weeks.