Histomorphometric and microtomographic analysis of maxillary sinus augmentation surgeries with and without collagen membrane on the lateral window: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective To evaluate the histomorphometric and computerized microtomographic (Micro‐CT) analysis of the regenerated bone tissue from maxillary sinus augmentation surgery, with and without using the collagen membrane on the external osteotomy window. Materials and Methods Twelve patients were selected for this prospective, controlled, and randomized study. The patients were submitted to bilateral maxillary sinus surgery in a split‐mouth design. On the test side, the maxillary sinus augmentation procedure included using Geistlich Bio‐Oss® and a Geistlich Bio‐Gide® collagen membrane covering the lateral osteotomy window. On the control side, only Geistlich Bio‐Oss® was used without the presence of the membrane. After 6 months, the surgeries for implant installation were performed. In this surgical phase, specimens of the regenerated tissue were collected for histological and Micro‐CT analysis. Results In the histomorphometric evaluation, the mean (±SD) percentages of newly formed bone were 43.9% (±11.5) and 40.8% (±8.9) in the test and control groups, respectively. The corresponding values of the Micro‐CT analysis were 36.6% (±3.4) and 37.2% (±4.7) in the test and control groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the test and control groups in the two methods. In addition, there was no statistically significant difference between the mean percentage of biomaterial remaining between the test and control groups. However, the mean percentage of newly formed bone was significantly higher and the mean percentage of remaining biomaterial was significantly lower in the histomorphometric analysis compared to the values obtained through microtomography. Conclusion The additional use of collagen membranes in maxillary sinus surgery does not offer advantages in newly formed bone.