A histologic evaluation of a mandibular cross section one year after augmentation with hydroxyapatite particles

A pathologic mandibular fracture in a 35-year-old woman 1 year after the attempted filling of a bone defect with particulate, dense hydroxyapatite resulted in a partial mandibular resection, allowing observation of cross sections of the mandible and associated soft tissue. Thin tissue sections were examined without decalcification. This permitted excellent observation of the hydroxyapatite particles, the bone, and the soft tissue. Osseointegration had occurred only in the areas closely associated with the bone. The immobility of the particles was a prerequisite for involvement with new bone formation. Hydroxyapatite particles in areas that allowed any mobility were surrounded by connective tissue with no bone formation evident. Heterogeneous particles were observed, indicating the possibility of a lack of purity in the hydroxyapatite ceramic, which may have contributed to the resorption of the particles. These findings, as well as other clinical and experimental findings, lead us to question the concept of hydroxyapatite as a bioactive ceramic that induces osteogenesis or osteoconductivity.