Biological assessment of porous-implant hydroxyapatite combined with periosteal grafting in maxillary defects

Purpose: To investigate the use of porous hydroxyapatite (HA) combined with periosteal graft to repair an induced maxillary bone defect. Materials and Methods: A defect was produced in the premaxillary bone of rats. Four groups were used: 1) those treated with the mucoperiosteal graft from the premaxilla; 2) those treated with HA combined with mucoperiosteal graft from the premaxilla; 3) those treated with HA combined with periosteal graft from the femur; and 4) those treated with periosteal graft from the femur. Results: The radiographic aspects from all groups showed no signs of bone formation after 2 weeks. After 16 weeks, there was evidence of points of radiolucency inside the HA implants. Cell proliferation occurred from the periosteum covering the defect. Bone tissue grew from the defect margin to inside the defect in all cases. Mature bone was seen around the HA implants after 8 and 16 weeks. Conclusion: The periosteal graft provides satisfactory support to the HA implant, allowing the growth of new bone. (C) 2007 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.65584785