ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone regeneration of particulated hydroxyapatite(HA) and block type of hydroxyapatite graft in rabbit calvarial defects. METHODS: An 8 mm calvarial circular defects were created in sixteen young adult New Zealand white male rabbits (weight 3.0~3.5 kg). Each defects were filled with Bio-Oss, particulated HA and block type HA. Sham surgery control defects were filled with blood clots. The pecimens were harvested at 4 weeks and 8 weeks for histologic and histomorphometric evaluation. RESULTS: Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated statistical differences in defect closure, new bone formation, and bone density of the four groups. Block type of HA group showed increased bone formation and bone density at 4 weeks and 8 weeks compared with Bio-Oss group or sham surgery control group(p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Block type of HA is an effective material for osteoconduction in rabbit calvarial defects, which may acts as a guide in use of these products in human application.