ABSTRACT
Objective To determine whether the small intestinal submucosa(SIS)/nano meter crystal ?-tricalcium phosphate(nm ?-TCP) composite can enhance the regeneration of rabbit mandibular defects. Methods Twenty-six mandibular defects were made on thirteen New Zealand rabbits,and were ramdonly divided into four groups: groupⅠ,single SIS was applied to each defects;group Ⅱ,nm ?-TCP;groupⅢ,the composite scaffold materials of SIS and nm ?-TCP;groupⅣ,control.Twelve weeks after the operation,the samples were extracted for gross observation,histological analysis,X-ray examination,and relative bone density(RBD) recording.Results Twenty weeks after the operation,the newborn bone trabecula took up most of the area with defects.The restorative materials in the SIS group and composite scaffold materials group had almost degraded,and little remained in the ?-TCP group.The composite scaffold materials group was found more newborn bone trabecula with mature formation,and the average RBD was relatively higer,while less newborn bone trabecula with irregular formation and more collagen were observed in the control group. Conclusion The composite materials of SIS and nm ?-TCP,which enjoy favourable bone formation characteristics and histocompatibility, can enhance bone regeneration in rabbit mandibular defects.