Comparison of two implantation sites for testing intraosseous biocompatibility.

The purpose of this study was to compare two implantation sites--the mandible and the femur of the rabbit--for testing in vivo intraosseous biocompatility. Twenty-two new Zealand rabbits were anesthetized, and the mandibular and femur bones were exposed. A hybrid glass ionomer cement or zinc oxide eugenol cement was loaded into silicone carriers and inserted into the two bones after drilling the two cortical plates. Eleven rabbits were killed 4 wk after implantation, and 11 rabbits were killed after 12 wk. The mandibles and femurs were prepared using standard histological procedures; tissue reactions were graded from none to severe. At 4 wk, no statistically significant difference was found between the two implantation sites. After 12 weeks, bone healing was statistically better in the mandible than in the femur. The mandible seems to be a better implantation site in the case of intraosseous implantation tests. The intraosseous biocompatibility of Vitremer was similar at 4 wk and superior at 12 wk to that of Super-EBA.