Preliminary study of porous hydroxylapatite particle containment with a curved biodegradable implant in the sheep mandible.

A conventional augmentation method without a splint was compared with the use of a biodegradable polyglycolide (PGA) splint as a container of hydroxylapatite (HA) particles. With the PGA splint there was a 35% rate of dehiscence of the incision, leading to loss of HA particles. Based on microradiographic measurements, the HA was retained better on the side augmented by the conventional technique. Toward the end of 24 weeks, however, a decrease of augmentation and in the quantity of HA was seen with both methods. According to the histologic studies, there was evidence of HA phagocytosis by osteoclast-type cells. In the histomorphometric studies after 24 weeks of follow-up, new bone ingrowth was 12% without and 10% with the PGA splint. Although the planimetric studies showed the PGA splint to be a good container, the material still requires further development.