Modelling by percolation theory of the behaviour of natural coral used as bone substitute.

We investigate the relevance of site-bond percolation theory to model the resorption and ossification of natural coral implanted in bones. The first step of the process is the vascularization of the implant seen here as a percolation threshold. The resorption and ossification can thus take place by activation of unoccupied sites. We compare our results with previously obtained experimental data on implants in porcine cortical bones. Very encouraging results are obtained.