Alpha-tricalcium phosphate cement in the reconstruction of bone defects in rats.

PURPOSE To evaluate the ability of a mixture of α-TCP and autogenous bone (AB) vs. α-TCP alone and AB alone to promote new bone formation and tissue repair in bone defects. METHODS Bone defects surgically created in 15 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group I (AB), Group II (α-TCP), Group III (α-TCP+AB assessed by light microscopy), and Group IV (α-TCP+AB assessed by scanning electron microscopy). Bone repair findings were assessed at 30, 60, and 120 days postoperatively. RESULTS The histological findings obtained in Groups I (p=0.459), II (p=0.368), and III (p=0.459) and at 30 days (p=0.717), 60 days (p=0.717), and 120 days (p=0.779) did not show statistically significant differences. Scanning electron microscopy revealed direct contact between the α-TCP+AB implant and the bone tissue at 120 days. CONCLUSION The α-TCP implant is effective alternative bone substitutes for the treatment of critical size bone defects.