Effects of different sizes of beta-tricalcium phosphate particles on bone augmentation within a titanium cap in rabbit calvarium.

This study evaluated the effects of different sizes of beta-TCP particles on bone augmentation within a titanium cap. In 20 rabbits, the calvarium was exposed and a circular groove was prepared. After marrow penetration, a standardized hemispherical titanium cap was placed in the circular grove. The cap was filled with small-sized (100-250 microm) or medium-sized (250-500 microm) beta-TCP particles for the experimental site and without beta-TCP for the control site. After one and three months of healing, the animals were euthanized and examined histologically. There was a statistically significant difference in the amount of mineralized bone generated between the experimental and control groups in the three-month specimens. Furthermore, the medium-sized particles showed significantly more mineralized bone than did the small-sized particles. Based on these findings, we suggested that beta-TCP might be effective for bone formation and that medium-sized particles are more useful than small-sized particles in bone maturation.