OBJECTIVETo investigate the influences of experimental osteoporosis (OP) on bone healing of autologous iliac crest graft around dental implants in rabbits.

METHODSTwenty Japanese rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. Bilaterally ovariectomy was performed on experimental group and control group received sham-operation. Twelve weeks later, femoral bones were examined for bone mineral density (BMD) to verify OP status. Then bone defects were made in the proximal metaphysis of the tibiae and autologous iliac crest grafts with simultaneous implant placement were performed. The animals were killed at 8 and 12 weeks after bone graft surgery. Undecalcified sections were prepared and examined histologically and histomorphometrically.

RESULTSOsteoporotic status caused by ovariectomy was verified by significantly decreased BMD in experimental group (P < 0.001). At 8 and 12 weeks after bone graft surgery, osseointegration was observed in both groups. However, thickness of cortical bone (TCB), bone volume in cancellous area (BVC), implant-bone contact rate (IBCR) at bone graft area all significantly decreased in experimental group when compared with control group (P < 0.01). Newly formed bone was also less in experimental group than that in control group.

CONCLUSIONAlthough experimental OP may not delay osseointegration of dental implants in autologous iliac crest graft, it certainly promotes resorption of bone grafts, decreases cancellous bone volume and implant-bone contact rate. Therefore it may be an important risk factor for patients receiving autologous bone graft with simultaneous implant placement.