Purpose
To analyze, histomorphologically, the influence of the geometry of
nanostructured hydroxyapatite and alginate (HAn/Alg) composites in the
initial phase of the bone repair.
Methods
Fifteen rats were distributed to three groups: MiHA - bone defect filled with
HAn/Alg microspheres; GrHA - bone defect filled with HAn/Alg granules; and
DV - empty bone defect; evaluated after 15 days postoperatively. The
experimental surgical model was the critical bone defect, ≅8.5 mm, in rat
calvaria. After euthanasia the specimens were embedded in paraffin and
stained with hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius and Masson-Goldner’s
trichrome.
Results
The histomorphologic analysis showed, in the MiHA, deposition of osteoid
matrix within some microspheres and circumjacent to the others, near the
bone edges. In GrHA, the deposition of this matrix was scarce inside and
adjacent to the granules. In these two groups, chronic granulomatous
inflammation was noted, more evident in GrHA. In the DV, it was observed
bone neoformation restricted to the bone edges and formation of connective
tissue with reduced thickness in relation to the bone edges, throughout the
defect.
Conclusion
The geometry of the biomaterials was determinant in the tissue response,
since the microspheres showed more favorable to the bone regeneration in
relation to the granules.