Radiological and Histological Evaluation of the Effects of Cortical Perforations on Bone Healing in Mandibular Onlay Graft Procedures

Background Perforations of the cortical bone may be an advantage for the success of the autogenous bone graft procedure, but whether this perforation has a positive effect on the bone remains controversial. Purpose This study evaluates the effects of cortical perforation of the autogenous bone block graft radiologically and histologically. Materials and Methods Seven adult pigs were used for this study. On the experimental side, cortical perforation at the host site was prepared, while no perforation was done on the control side. The specimens were evaluated, and the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used for statistical analysis. Results In the radiological evaluation, the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test indicated no significant differences in densities among the grafts (p = .23) with a mean of 4.29 ± 0.951 for the unperforated graft side and 3.57 ± 0.976 for the decorticated graft side. In histological evaluation, there was a significant difference in the thickness of the grafts between the groups (experimental group 3.71 ± 1.286, control group: 4.71 ± 0.488; p = .033). However, when the remodeling and osteoblastic activity in the grafts were measured, no significant differences were observed between the groups (p = 1 and p = .133, respectively). Conclusion In augmentation with mandibular onlay bone grafts, cortical perforations in the recipient site make no distinct contribution to bone healing within 12 weeks.