EXPERIMENTAL OSSEOINTEGRATION OF HYDROXYAPATITE GRANULES IN THE LUMBAR VERTEBRAL BODIES
Objective. To perform histological verification of osseointegration of porous bioceramic granules using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Material and Methods. The experiment was conducted in six mongrel dogs weighing 15 to 18 kg which underwent implantation of hydroxyapatite bioceramic granules in the lumbar vertebral bodies. After 6-month follow-up period specimens were examined histologically using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectrometry. Results. Histological examination of the implantation zones revealed trabecular bone tissue in spaces between the granules fitting closely to their surfaces. There was no connective tissue capsule on the border between the bone tissue and hydroxyapatite granules. Conclusion. Morphological studies using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, as well as energy-dispersive spectrometry are basic methods for verification of osseointegration.