Background and Objectives: A rigid, resorbable magnesium membrane was recently developed,
combining the advantages of resorbable and non-resorbable membranes. Our aim was to
describe the application of this membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR). Materials
and Methods: This case report described the treatment and 3D evaluation of two cases
utilizing a resorbable magnesium barrier membrane. In Case #1, GBR was performed with
a bilayer tunnel flap. The magnesium barrier was placed fixed subperiosteally through
remote vertical incisions. In Case #2, GBR was performed using a split-thickness flap
design. Volumetric and linear hard tissue alterations were assessed by 3D cone-beam
computed tomography subtraction analysis, as well as with conventional intraoral radiography.
Results: Case #1 showed a volumetric hard tissue gain of 0.12 cm3, whereas Case #2
presented a 0.36 cm3 hard tissue gain. No marginal peri-implant hard tissue loss could
be detected at the two-year follow-up. Conclusions: The application of conventional
resorbable collagen membranes would be difficult in either of the cases presented.
However, the rigid structure of the magnesium membrane allowed for the limitations
of conventional resorbable membranes to be overcome.
