Effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation on sinus augmentation in rabbits

OBJECTIVES The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of low intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) and to determine the optimal frequency for enhancing bone regeneration in sinus augmentation using a rabbit model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty male rabbits underwent sinus augmentation. Two rectangular nasal bone windows were outlined bilaterally. LIPUS was applied at two different frequencies (1 MHz and 3 MHz) on experimental sites daily for 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Each histological area of the experimental and control sites was divided into upper and lower parts from the parietal region to a depth of 5 mm. Each area of new bone was measured. RESULTS At 2, 4 and 8 weeks, the experimental sites in the 1 MHz group exhibited significantly more new bone growth than the control sites in both the upper and lower parts. When the upper and lower parts of each area were measured in combination there was a statistical difference between the test and control sites in the 1 MHz group at 2, 4 and 8 weeks; however, there were no statistical differences between the test and control sites in the 3 MHz group. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that clinical application of LIPUS for sinus augmentation may promote new bone formation, and that the effect of LIPUS for sinus augmentation at a frequency of 1 MHz was greater than at 3 MHz until 8 weeks after sinus augmentation.