Influence of Age on Calvarial Critical Size Defect Dimensions: A Radiographic and Histological Study

Calvarial critical-size defect has been used to assess techniques and materials in the bone regeneration field. Previous studies utilized young adult rats with 3 months of age, which might not reflect the geriatric conditions. This study aimed to assess the dimensions of the calvarial critical-size defect in aged rats.Seventy-two rats in a randomized block design were allocated into a control young adult (11-12weeks), and a test old group (22-24months). Both groups were divided according to bone defect's size: 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm defects, which were surgically created and followed for 4 and 8weeks. Radiographic and histologic analyses were performed. Based on the results, additional groups with 4mm defect size were added following the same protocols. Young groups yielded higher bone volumes, defect closure percentages, and density of newly formed bone. Closure of cranial defects was only observed in 3mm defects in both age groups after 8 weeks; however, the 4mm defect group demonstrated bony bridging after 8 weeks in young but not old rats. Results confirmed that 5-mm defect is considered a critical size for calvarial bone defects in young adult rats; however, 4mm defect might be considered critical size for the aged rats after 8 weeks.