Mechanical properties of bone after grafting with coralline hydroxyapatite: an experimental study

Based on animal experiments, mechanical properties of rabbit radii after grafting artificial gaps with a coralline hydroxyapatite (CH) material are discussed. Healing velocity of complete and partial gaps after the same kind of grafting is also analyzed. Based on the results obtained from 48 gaps of 24 animals it is stated that fused grafts in both types of gaps showed bending strength of the radii similar to that of normal bone. The incidence of nonunions and infections are also discussed. It is concluded that CH is suitable in the treatment of incomplete bone defects.