Fiber-enriched calcium phosphate cement implanted in the femur of rats: a histological evaluation / Cimento de fosfato de cálcio reforçado por fibras implantados nos fêmures de ratos: uma avaliação histológica

ABSTRACT

Objective: to perform a histological analysis of nylon, carbon, and polypropylene fiber-enriched calcium phosphate cement (CPC) for use as bone substitute in the femur or rats. Materials and method: Fiber-enriched CPC blocks (6-mm diameter, 2-mm thickness) were im-planted in the femur of 20 male Wistar rats. The ani-mals were euthanized at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days, with removal and histological assessment of specimens. Results: Biocompatibility, resorption, and osteoconduc-tion were assessed. At all times, histological assessment revealed the formation of dense connective tissue with low cellularity, little vascularization, and a few mono-nuclear cells. Surrounding the implant, slight resorption and hyalinization of peripheral collagen fibers were ob-served, with evidence of incorporation of implant mate-rial into connective tissue. Osteoid tissue was observed at 120 days. Bone resorption surrounding the implant was not significant. Conclusion: Based on the present criteria, CPC seems adequate for use as bone substitute.