Potency of Injectable Hydroxyapatite Chitosan Scaffold for Bone Regeneration

Introduction: Several methods are used to enhance bone regeneration and new bone formation. There is a significant clinical need to develop alternatives to autografts and allografts for bone grafting procedures. Biopolymer chitosan combined with hydroxyapatite have been investigated as bone grafts substitute in the form of injectable, porous and biodegradable structure. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Injectable Hydroxyapatite Chitosan (IHAC) Scaffold for rabbit femoral condyle bone regeneration by assessing its histological view. Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted on New Zealand White Rabbits. IHAC scaffold was transplanted into the femoral defect of a treated rabbit, while the control rabbit’s defect was left empty. Bone regeneration was analysed histologically using Modified Salkeld Histological Scoring, four weeks postoperatively. Results: Cortical bone fusion occurred better in the treated rabbit compared to control rabbit. Active osteoblasts were found in the periphery of the mature bone. Cortical bone had undergone complete maturation. Control rabbit still showed the presence of haemorrhagic area and fibrocartilage that indicated early phase of bone regeneration. Conclusion: IHAC scaffold is effective for treatment of bone defect by guiding the host response to regenerate the bone tissue.