Evaluation of a bone substitute prepared from alpha-tricalcium phosphate and an acid polysaccharide solution

Tissue response to a readily consolidating material prepared by mixing alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) powder with a glycolic acid dextran solution and to this consolidating material combined with particulate hydroxylapatite (HA) was studied after implantation in the subperiosteal space of the mandible in rabbits. Active new bone formation comparable to that seen on HA implants was observed around the two compounds. The newly formed bone was in direct contact with the HA as well as the readily consolidated material and little adverse effect resulting from the glycolic acid and dextran was observed. Because the readily consolidating material was firm and could be contoured into any shape during the process of consolidation, it may be quite useful as a bone substitute and as an adherent for HA particles for reconstructive bone surgery, overcoming the disadvantages inherent to the particulate form of HA.