The aim of this study was to evaluate histologically, three types of calcium sulfate - Merck (Brazil), Surgiplaster (Italy) and Capset (USA) - in surgically created defects on rabbit femurs. Twenty male New Zealand rabbits were used. Two surgical bone defects (5 mm diameter x 8 mm depth) were created on each distal epiphysis using a #3 Dentoflex trephine bur. Defects were filled with: group 1 - di-hydrated calcium sulfate (Merck); group 2 - Capset (Lifecore-USA); group 3 - Surgiplaster (Classimport-Italy); group 4 - control (blood clot). The animals were sacrificed 30, 60, 90 and 180 days postoperatively. Semi-serial 6-mm-thick sections were obtained, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined under light microscopy. Bone defects treated with calcium sulfate exhibited new bone formation regardless of the product trademark.
Calcium sulfate; Bone defect; Bone regeneration
