Osteogenesis in composite grafts of allogenic demineralized bone powder and porous hydroxylapatite

This study evaluated the osteoinductive capabilities of porous hydroxylapatite (PH) and the tissue response following intramuscular implantation of PH alone or in combination with demineralized bone powder (DBP). Six rhesus monkeys each received the implants in three separate soft tissue pockets created in the thoracic region. The implants consisted of 2 cc of either PH alone or DBP alone, or a 1:1 combination of DBP and PH. Two animals were killed at 2 weeks, two at 4 weeks, and two at 12 weeks postimplantation. Histologically, bone formation was seen in the DBP mixed with PH and in the DBP group as early as 4 weeks postimplantation; bone was also occasionally observed within the pores of the PH particles. The PH alone showed no evidence of formation of bone and the material was surrounded by a thick layer of fibrous tissue. It was concluded that PH is not osteoinductive, but can act as a scaffold for growth of bone, and that when mixed with an osteoinductive material, it allows for formation of bone within the implant.