A stereomorphologic study of bone matrix apposition in HA-implanted cavities observed with SEM, being prepared by a microvascular cast and freeze-fracture method

In order to obtain further understanding of the relationship between hydroxyapatite (HA) with regard to its properties as an implantation bed, dense HA particles were implanted into the tibiae of dogs. Following the healing periods of 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months and 6 months, the specimens were prepared with a combination of a microvascular cast method and a freeze-fracture technique, allowing observations to be made with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Under SEM, osteogenesis among the HA particles developed in a programmed sequence. The unfolding sequence revealed that the sinusoidal capillaries provided the initial evidence of vascularization preceding new bone formation, with microvessels creeping along the interparticular space among the HA particles. Having established an intimate contact existing between the microvessels, collagen fibres and the HA surface, the HA particles served as a supporting scaffold for the vessels to creep over and to connect with each other to form a vascular network. The way that the collagen fibres attached to the HA particles was either through globular depositions or via directly abutting themselves on to the HA surface. On closer inspection the osteoblasts with extracellular collagen fibrils were observed over the HA surface. By appositional growth, osteoblasts laid down a bone matrix in successive layers, forming a woven bone around the HA particles. As the implantation time increased, bony tissues gradually transformed into mature bone occupying all of the interparticular space. This study successfully revealed the spatial relationship between bone cells, collagen fibres and blood vessels in an osteogenetic sequence among HA particles, as revealed by a microvascular cast and the freeze-fracture method. (C) 2003 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.