Evaluation of the potential beneficial effects of ostrich eggshell combined with eggshell membranes in healing of cranial defects in rabbits

Potential beneficial effects of outer and inner ostrich eggshell mambranes alone and in combinations with the shell powder on bone regeneration in cranial defects of 18 rabbits were investigated using radiological, clinical and histological methods. Three 6 mm wide, half-thickness defects were made in the calvarial bones of each rabbit. One defect remained empty as a control; prepared eggshell membranes were extended across the other two defects; and prepared eggshell powder was inserted inside the membrane in one case. Either alone or in combination with eggshell membranes produced little adjuctive effect under the conditions and durations of this experiment.