Applicability of equine hydroxyapatite collagen (eHAC) bone blocks for lateral augmentation of the alveolar crest. A histological and histomorphometric analysis in rats

This study assessed the mechanical characteristics, biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties of an equine hydroxyapatite collagen (eHAC) bone block when applied as a bone substitute for lateral augmentation of rat mandible. 96 rats underwent lateral augmentation of the mandible, using two substitute bone blocks (eHAC or Bio-Oss® spongiosa) or autologous bone grafts. Signs of inflammation, amount of bone formation and ingrowth of bone into the bone blocks were assessed at 1 and 3 months. eHAC blocks were mechanically rigid and could be fixed firmly and easily. Bio-Oss® spongiosa blocks were brittle and fixation was difficult. eHAC and Bio-Oss® spongiosa blocks were biocompatible and induced few or no signs of inflammation. Inflammation prevalence between the groups was not statistically different. Bone formation and bone growth into the blocks was significantly higher in eHAC than Bio-Oss® spongiosa blocks, but lower than in autologous bone grafts (after 1 and 3 months). Regression analysis showed that the autologous bone graft predicted new bone formation at both time points. The eHAC block was only a predictor at 1 month; a trend was found at 3 months. The application of biodegradable membranes was not related to more bone ingrowth.