[Ossification of the collagen implant]

Native collagen type I was studied morphologically and fluorescent-histologically after implantation in bony defects. As criteria for revitalisation we used depth and density of immigration, type of immigrated cells, revascularisation, formation of new cartilage and bone. Furthermore the deposition of fluorochromes was studied. The maximum of cellular immigration was reached after 8 weeks and remained at this level for the period of observation. The implants were impregnated only with fibroblasts and fibrocytes, developing into chondroblasts, chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteocytes. Only in one case basophilic round-cells could be seen. The centres of the implants were after 6 weeks rarely, after 8 weeks fully revascularized. Formation of new cartilage and bone could be seen after 6 weeks, increasing in number and extension during the observation-period. Osteoneogenesis was performed both by desmal and enchondral ossification, enchondral ossification much more in evidence. The deposition of fluorochromes could be seen in each implant. After 8 weeks fluorochromes could only be seen at the bone-implant interface, after 12 and 16 weeks even the centres were well impregnated. In a single case reossification in a control-rib could be seen as well morphologically as fluorescent-histologically.