Use of hydroxylapatite/ polymer-composite in facial bone augmentation. An experimental study

On purpose to achieve better and more controlled alveolar ridge augmentation, biodegradable polyglycolide (PGA) curved implants with porous, particulate hydroxylapatite (HA) were developed to be used in an experimental augmentation in sheep mandible. Prior to surgery curved PGA implants were loaded with particulate HA with help of a rather fast degrading adhesive, polyglycolide/polylactide (PGA/PLA) copolymer. This augmentation device was inserted into the ridge using a slight modification of the tunnelling technique. Macroscopically, a dehiscence with loss of HA particles was observed in 3 of the 16 augmentations. Bone ingrowth was seen in a noticeable degree in one sheep at 24 weeks. Instead, foreign body-type cells were shown at the interface of mandibular bone and hydroxylapatite deposit, as well as abundant connective tissue reaction inside HA deposits. The results of the study give rise to concern about bony integration in the presence of biodegradable polyglycolide substances in HA augmentation. The findings call in question even their use as a carrier for bone forming agents in combination with HA.