Comparative evaluation of biphasic calcium phosphate and biphasic calcium phosphate collagen composite on osteoconductive potency in rabbit calvarial defect

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the osteoconductivity of biphasic calcium phosphate collagen composite (BCPC) in rabbit calvarial defect model by comparing with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP). Four 8 mm diameter bicortical calvarial defects were made in ten rabbits. Each of the defects was randomly assigned and filled with 1) collagen sponge, 2) BCP, 3) BCPC, and 4) nothing as control. The animals were sacrificed at either 2 weeks (n = 5) or 8 weeks (n = 5) healing period. Results: All groups showed wedge shaped new bone formation limited to the area of the defect margin at both healing periods. The amounts of new bone and defect closure were similar among all groups. In the control and collagen sponge group, the center of the defect was depressed by surrounding tissues. In contrast, in BCP and BCPC group, the center of the defect did not depressed and the grafted materials maintained the space. And the augmented area was significantly higher in BCP and BCPC group compared to the control and collagen sponge group at both healing periods (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The BCPC and BCP demonstrated proper space maintaining capacity and osteoconductive property, suggesting BCPC can be efficiently utilized in various clinical situations.