Enhancing effects of fluoride-containing ceramic implants on bone formation in the dog femur

This study examined the enhancing effects of newly constructed ceramic implants, consisting of unidirectional macroporous (200 micron in diameter) material, upon in vivo bone formation in dogs' femurs. The implants comprised calcium phosphate salts that included 0.5% fluoride. The latter were introduced into bone defects in healthy dogs and were followed thereafter for a period of 8 months. Radiological and histological examinations indicated new bone formation at the implantation sites concurrent with the disappearance of the original implanted material. The rate of in situ degradation of these implants correlated to the overall size of the inserted implant. It became evident that this new kind of ceramic (that included fluoride in its basic composition) possessed a remarkable stimulating potential upon bone morphogenesis.