Assessment of biodegradable calcium polyphosphate for bone substitute applications in the healing of the rat calvarium

grantor: University of TorontoThe purpose of this study was to investigate the osteoconductive properties of calcium polyphosphate in particulate form using the calvarium of the rat. In conjunction with the material, a dense Teflon membrane or barrier was included in some animals to assist with retention of the particulate material at the wound sites. Twenty-eight rats were utilized each with an 8mm diameter defect ("critical size"). The animals were grouped as follows; group 1 consisted of 3 control rats in which the created defects remained empty, group 2 had 8 rats in which only a membrane was place over each defect; group 3 had 8 rats in which calcium polyphosphate particulate was placed into the defects; and group 4 consisted of 8 rats for which both the particulate and dense teflon membrane were used. After a healing interval of 4 weeks all animal were sacrificed and specimens prepared as non-demineralized sections for light microscopic (LM) and backscattered electron imaging (BSEI). Images from the BSEI analysis were assessed using SigniaScan® software which quantified the amount of new bone growth into the defect, and the amount of residual particulate material. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)M.Sc