Abstract
In order to facilitate restoration of the bone structure during plastic surgery, we developed a fiber-type hydroxyapatite (HA). Material specifications are included. An histological study was performed to decide the viability of the application of HA-fibers as an implant. HA-fiber implants in the tibia of adult cats, ranging in duration from one week to twelve weeks, were carried out. In all cases there were no foreign body reactions nor inflammatory cell infiltrations after implantation of HA-fibers. Following the first week of implantation, fibroblasts increased and coexisted with osteoblasts in the bone marrow. Two weeks after implantation, the osteogeneus area was enlarged in both the cortex and marrow, The periosteum covered the surface of HA-fibers completely. HA-fibers were compacted by surrounding tissues. Four weeks after implantation, osteogenesis increased. Connection between HA-fibers and bone tissue were bound tightly by collagen fibers. Eight weeks following implantation, pathological findings were almost identical to those of four weeks. Twelve weeks after implantation, the presence of osteoblasts decreased throughout. In the marrow, normal bone tissues were observed. We conclude from our investigation that HA-fibers have an advantage in tissue tolerance and in osteogenic activity.
