The bone biopsy chamber: an improved method of collecting osseous tissue.

The bone biopsy chamber (BBC) has been developed for implantation in bone to permit the serial biopsy of osseous tissues to study osseointegration. This device improves the currently available methodology for studying the implant/osseous interfacial zone by providing a means of collecting osseous samples for microscopic evaluation in the least invasive manner, and without euthanization or en bloc resection. The advantages of the BBC were verified through its implantation in the tibia of five young adult Flemish Giant rabbits and the serial collection of osseous samples. Following the recommended surgical procedures to implant the BBC and obtain osseointegration, osseous samples were collected from the five rabbits at 30-, 60-, and 90-day test periods for histologic evaluations. Bone specimens were embedded in preparation for staining using modified goldner trichrome, toluidine blue, and gallocyanin. Each of the sections demonstrated clear evidence of biocompatibility, the different cellular components and stages of osteogenesis, and that osseous tissue biopsies were possible using this device.