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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
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Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials
Published on: August 13, 2019
Bone Healing Response of Two Different Silicate-Containing Calcium Phosphate Synthetic Bone Grafts in a Rabbit
Iain R Gibson1,2, Jordan C Conway3, Viviana R Lopes3
1Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
Summary
Nanoscale silicate-containing calcium phosphate (CaP) bone grafts show continuous remodeling and new bone formation. Micron-scale CaP grafts exhibit minimal remodeling, highlighting material property differences in bone healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Synthetic calcium phosphates (CaP) are vital bone graft substitutes.
- Incorporating silicate ions enhances osteointegration and bone formation.
- Understanding material structure-property relationships is crucial for bone graft efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the bone healing response of nanoscale (OssDsign Catalyst) versus micron-scale (Actifuse ABX) silicate-containing CaP bone graft materials.
- To evaluate the in vivo remodeling and new bone formation capabilities of these materials in a rabbit critical-sized defect model.
- To assess in vitro calcium ion release and protein adsorption characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Implantation of OssDsign Catalyst and Actifuse ABX into rabbit femoral condyle defects for 4, 8, 12, and 26 weeks.
- Assessment of bone formation via radiography, microcomputed tomography (μCT), histology, and histomorphometry.
- In vitro characterization of calcium ion release and protein adsorption.
Main Results:
- Both materials induced new woven bone formation by 4 weeks.
- OssDsign Catalyst demonstrated continuous graft resorption and remodeling, with 60% decrease by 26 weeks.
- Actifuse ABX showed minimal resorption (26% decrease by 26 weeks) and limited remodeling.
- OssDsign Catalyst exhibited significantly higher in vitro calcium ion release and protein adsorption.
Conclusions:
- Nanoscale silicate-CaP grafts (OssDsign Catalyst) promote sustained graft remodeling and bone healing.
- Micron-scale silicate-CaP grafts (Actifuse ABX) exhibit limited remodeling, impacting long-term bone repair.
- Material properties, specifically primary structure size, significantly influence synthetic bone graft performance in critical-sized defects.
