Background: Bone substitutes of collagenated porcine bone (CPB) have previously been shown to have osteoconductive properties and to be resorbed with time. The influence of different ratios between bone particles and collagen on bone response is not yet known.
Purpose: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different collagen ratios on the bone tissue responses to CPB grafts.
Materials and methods: Eight rabbits were used in the study. Bilateral bone defects, 5 x 8 x 3 mm, were created in the maxilla and were filled with 60% CPB/40% collagen gel or with 80% CPB/20% collagen gel. Animals were killed after 8 weeks for histological and morphometrical evaluations.
Results: There were no differences between the two biomaterials tested. Both materials showed a high degree of bone formation, 42% and 46%, respectively. Both materials were showing signs of resorption at time of sacrifice.
Conclusions: Different collagen/CPB ratios do not influence the bone tissue responses to CPB. Both materials exhibited osteoconductive properties and were starting to be resorbed at 8 weeks.