Histological and histomorphometric evaluation of chitosan, collagen and hydroxyapatite composites as bone graft substitute in a sheep tibial defect

Abstract

Bone defects are commonly found in veterinary medicine through different illnesses such as trauma or metabolic changes. Often, intervention is required during tissue repair. Biomaterials have been developed to this objective. Evaluating cell behavior with the biomaterial in vivo is essential. Studying morphological and functional unit of tissue, it is possible to evaluate the quantity and the quality of new formed tissue. Currently in orthopedic studies, sheep are being used as animal model for implant biomaterial reserach. From bone defects in sheep experimentally performed, will be implanted biomaterials based on chitosan, hydroxyapatite and collagen. After 60 days, by biopsy, will be performed histomorphometry and transmission microscopy. The newly formed tissue will be described, evaluated and compared. (AU)