Bone Reaction to a Newly Developed Fiber-reinforced Composite Material for Craniofacial Implants

Abstract

Although autologous bone graft is the gold standard in bone reconstruction, the limited volume, the morbidity associated with the donor site, the dificult modelling of complex forms and the unpredictable rate of resorption fuel the researches towards the development of alloplastic materials as bone substitutes. A new fiber reinforced composite (FRC) was developed using 35% combination of monomers bisphenol A glycidylmethacrylate [bis-GMA], urethane dimethacrylate [UDMA], triethylene glycol dimethacrylate [TEGDMA], hydroxyethyl methacrylate [HEMA]) and 65% E-glass fibers (300 g/mp). Sixteen (n=16) male Wistar rats were used for the study. The experimental group (n=12) received intrafemoral implants of FRC. The control group (n=4) received intrafemoral titanium implants. After one month and three months respectively, tissues adjacent to implants were histologically evaluated. The intensity of the bone tissue inflammatory reaction, as well as the presence of the osteoblasts and the newly formed bone on the implant surface were the main criteria assessed. The FRC material determined a similar tissue reaction to Ti specimens, at one and three months follow-up. Both materials, inserted in the medullary canal, were surrounded by a fibrous connective tissue capsule, which, as time passed, underwent intramembranous ossification process. Fiber reinforced composite may be considered a promising alternative to titanium implants in critical size defects reconstruction.