Osseous defect responses to hydroxylapatite grafting versus open flap debridement

Data from a large number of defects (152) treated with hydroxylapatite (HA) grafts were compared to those from a large number of defects (111) treated by surgical debridement alone (DEBR). Comparison of initial and re-entry surgery measurements showed that both the analysis of relative defect fill and the intrapatient comparisons demonstrated an advantage to the use of HA graft material. 58% of the HA-grafted defects were judged to have a positive (greater than or equal to 50% defect fill) hard tissue response compared to 30% for DEBR. Minimal responses (failures) were 4 times as numerous with DEBR. Similarly, within each patient, HA grafting proved of benefit, particularly regarding hard tissue changes. The use of HA graft materials appears to be of clinical benefit in a majority of defects and a majority of patients.