Observations on the effects of two ceramics on the strength of bone subjected to cryosurgery.

Implants of dense hydroxyapatite and beta tricalcium phosphate were implanted over rat mandibular bone, or rat mandibular bone previously subjected to cryosurgery, which is known to produce a reduction in strength. After selected intervals, up to 6 months, the bone was stress-tested to assess fracture strength. Both materials demonstrated an effect in off-setting strength loss after cryosurgery and these findings are discussed.