Comparison of bone graft materials. Part II. New bone formation with autografts and allografts: a histological evaluation.

The purpose of this study was to make a direct histological comparison of new bone formation evoked by decalcified freeze-dried bone allograft, freeze-dried bone allograft, autogenous osseous coagulum, and autogenous bone blend. Defects were surgically created in the calvaria of 35 guinea pigs. The graft materials were placed in porous nylon chambers and implanted into the defects. Implanted empty nylon chambers served as controls. The animals were sacrificed at 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days. New bone formation was determined quantitatively from histologic preparations. It was concluded that, in this model system, decalcified freeze-dried bone allograft is a graft material of high osteogenic potential; autogenous osseous coagulum and bone blend of less potential, and freeze-dried bone allograft even less.