Experimental study on osteoplastic cranioplasty using fresh autogenous bone: comparison of methods and investigation of the effect of L-dopa upon bone healing.

Among the factors that may regulate new bone formation, growth hormone probably has an increasing effect that could be stimulated indirectly by administration of L-Dopa. In turn, new bone formation might be accelerated and the healing time minimized. The present work in dogs has been performed to study the new bone formation and healing quality of osteoplastic cranioplasty with autogenous split rib, rib chips, and bone particles and the effect of L-Dopa on healing process. The new bone laid down on the scaffold of split-rib grafts showed smooth and regular formation leaving no gaps behind, whereas bone particles and rib chips formed irregular masses with uncovered spaces. Administration of L-Dopa elevated growth hormone and alkaline phosphatase levels but did not exert a significant influence on the new bone formation.