Effect of hydroxylapatite, tricalcium phosphate, and collagen on the healing of defects in the rat mandible.

The effects of hydroxylapatite and tricalcium phosphate alone or mixed with collagen on the repair of surgically created bony defects in the mandible of 30 rats were evaluated by gross examination and light microscopy. When specimens were examined 4 and 12 weeks after placement of the implants, bone was observed in direct contact with the implants at the periphery; however, in the central portion of the defects, the implants were surrounded by fibrous connective tissue containing macrophages and a few multinucleated giant cells. Neither the hydroxylapatite or the tricalcium phosphate induced bony healing in the defect, and the addition of collagen did not interfere with healing. Because collagen does not alter healing, it might be possible to use it as biocompatible resorbable binder to confine particulate ceramic implants and inhibit their migration.