Porous hydroxyapatite as a bone graft substitute in maxillary augmentation. An histometric study.

A porous HA matrix, which is available for clinical use, was compared with split rib autografts after maxillary contour augmentation in 17 dogs. Specimens were retrieved at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 months and undecalcified sections were prepared for microscopy and histometry. The implant and graft cross sectional areas did not change with time, although mechanical trauma caused early changes in implant area in some specimens. In all implants, union with the maxillary cortex occurred along with substantial bone ingrowth. An area under the periosteum contained soft tissue ingrowth. In all grafts, except one, union also occurred. However, bone ingrowth into the cancellous spaces was not apparent, or minimal. The implant specimens were composed of 34.7% HA matrix, 23.9% bone and 41.3% soft tissue. The bone ingrowth remained permanent for the study duration. A 6.5% decrease in HA matrix occurred between the 24 and 48 month time intervals, suggesting the presence of microporous surface resorption. The graft specimens were composed of 55.8% bone and 44.2% non-mineralized tissue, without change over time. The similarity in mineralized tissue composition of the implants (58.6%) and grafts (55.8%) supported the thesis that a porous HA matrix can function as a bone graft substitute.