The effect of different porosities in coral implants: an experimental study.

Goniopora lobata and polyphyllia talpina were tested in 10 sheep with a follow-up of 12 months. The reference material was a glass ceramic CAP 42. Different implantation sites are used: craniofacial and orthopaedic. A macro and microscopic postoperative study was performed at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The results show: (1) biocompatibility with bone and soft tissues; (2) disappearance, without colonisation, of Goniopora Lobata associated with complete bone regeneration at 12 months and (3) later resorption of polyphyllia talpina with a fibrous colonisation, without osseous transformation. The possibility of using these materials in cranio-maxillo facial surgery is discussed.