Osteogenesis process of tricalcium phosphate ceramics in vivo

To investigate the osteogenesis of calcium phosphate ceramics, β-TCP ceramics were implanted into the condyle femur of rabbits, and tetracycline was injected termly. Specimens were host at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 months after implanted. The new bone formation and osteogenesis process were observed by the histomorphology, fluorescent microscope, SEM and EPMA. The results demonstrate that, osteogenesis is active, there are abundant osteoblasts on the surface of osteoid, mesenchymal cell hyperplasia and incursion is found in materials after 1 month. After 2 months, there is blood vessel formation and macrophage soakage within materials. Bone-island appears and connects by bone-bridge after 3 months. β-TCP ceramics degrade and are dispersed by new formation bone. Woven bone turns into bone lamella by rebuilding and calcification. The materials entirely change their original shape and combines with bone tissue as a whole after 6 months. The typical structure of spongy bone forms. It is confirmed that β-TCP is a degradable biocompatible artificial bone material which can incorporating in life.