Evaluation and comparisons of biodegradable substances as osteogenic agents.

This study compared the osteogenic potential and tissue compatibility of biodegradable copolymers--PLA/PGA--and a biodegradable ceramic--Ca3(PO4)2. These compounds were placed in experimentally created defects in rat tibias, both in combination and singly, and evaluated at 14, 28, and 42 days. The ceramic served as a format to result in uniform osteogenesis throughout the defect. The copolymer implants resulted in a more gradual bone formation, progressing slowly from the would peripheries. The ceramic and copolymer combination behaved little differently from the copolymer alone. All experimental materials were extremely tissue tolerant, with minimal inflammation and no foreign-body reactions.