Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials
Published on: August 13, 2019
Bone regeneration using porous titanium particles versus bovine hydroxyapatite: a sinus lift study in rabbits
France Lambert1, Geoffrey Lecloux, Angelique Léonard
1Department of Periodontology and Oral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège Belgium. france.lambert@chu.ulg.ac.be
Aim:
The first objective of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the bone formation process, particularly the long-term behavior and three-dimensional volume stability of subsinusal bone regeneration, using titanium (Ti) or bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA) granules, in a rabbit model. The second objective was to evaluate the effect of the hydration of the BHA particles with a therapeutic concentration of doxycycline solution on the osteogenesis and biomaterial resorption.
Materials And Methods:
Rabbits underwent a double sinus lift procedure using one of three materials: grade 1 porous Ti particles, BHA, or BHA hydrated with doxycycline solution (0.1mg/ml) (BHATTC). Animals were sacrificed after 1 week, 5 weeks, or 6 months. Samples were analyzed using µCT and nondecalcified histology.
Results:
The materials used in each of the three groups allowed an optimal bone formation; bone quantities and densities were not statistically different between the three groups. At 6 months, more stable three-dimensional volume stability was found with Ti and BHATTC (p=.0033). At 5 weeks and 6 months, bone to material contact corroborating osteoconduction was significantly higher with BHA and BHATTC than with Ti (p<.0001).
Conclusions And Clinical Implications:
Even though the studied biomaterials displayed different architectures, they are relevant candidates for sinus lift bone augmentation prior to dental implants because they allow adequate three-dimensional stability and osteogenesis. However, to recommend the clinical use of Ti, both an observation on the drilling effects of Ti particles and clinical trials are needed.
