Histologic evaluation of the bone/graft interface after mandibular augmentation with hydroxylapatite/purified fibrillar collagen composite implants.

Samples of the bone/graft interface were evaluated histologically in five patients 1 year after mandibular ridge augmentation with a composite of hydroxylapatite particles in a matrix of purified fibrillar collagen (HA/PFC). The resulting defects were refilled with HA/PFC after the biopsy specimens were obtained. Histologic examination of the specimens yielded no evidence of purified fibrillar collagen. Hydroxylapatite particles were surrounded by dense fibrous host connective tissue, trabeculae of woven and lamellar bone, or both. HA/PFC was found to be biocompatible with human tissue and receptive to direct bone apposition on the hydroxylapatite particles.