Comparison of Inorganic Bovine Bone Mineral Particles with Porous Hydroxyapatite Granules and Cranial Bone Dust in the Reconstruction of Full-thickness Skull Defect

Twenty adult rabbits were used to evaluate the biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of Bio-Oss, an inorganic bovine bone mineral, in the reconstruction of full-thickness skull defects. Skull defects were treated with either autogenous bone dust, porous hydroxyapatite granules, Bio-Oss particles, or were left untreated as controls. Histological examination of decalcified sections showed incorporation of Bio-Oss into the host tissue without a significant inflammatory reaction. Measurement of the profile area occupied by the bone revealed that Bio-Oss, hydroxyapatite, and the control had the same amount of bone ingrowth, whereas autogenous bone dust produced a greater amount of bone (p < 0.01). We conclude that Bio-Oss, like porous hydroxyapatite, has sufficient osteoconductive properties and can also be used as a bone substitute material.