Deproteinized Bovine Bone in Alveolar Bone Critical Size Defect (>2cm) Secondary to Cyst Removal

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the use of deproteinized bovine bone as a filler material of critical-sized (diameter \>=20 mm) bony defects derived from the excision of maxillary and mandibular cysts. 20 patients were considered. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the type of treatment: the bone defect was filled with granules of deproteinized bovine bone (test); no filling material (control). Clinical parameters were recorded at 7 days, 1, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Radiological follow up consisted of an orthopantomograph and a CT scan taken at the baseline (pre-operatory) and 12 months after surgery. In order to evaluate the difference in percentage of filling of the bone defect between the two groups, the pre-op and the 1-year radiolucent volumes were evaluated in the CT scans.