EVALUATION OF CHITOSAN/HYDROXYAPATITE SCAFFOLD ON THE HEALING OF OSSEOUS DEFECTS IN JAW BONES (CLINICAL STUDY)

INTRODUCTION: The repair and replacement of injured or defective bone is a critical problem in orthopedic treatment. Bone defects in the maxillofacial region are considered a serious health problem. The correct restoration of architecture and function of tissues of this important anatomical region is mandatory. A variety of methods are employed for treating such defects, however, each of the strategies has its own drawbacks. Significant development has been achieved with combining bioceramics and biopolymers. Chitosan/ nano-Hydroxyapatite (CH/nHA) has recently emerged a new strategy for promoting bone regeneration and enhancement of bone healing and remodeling. This composite has increased cell adhesion, cell proliferation, mechanical strength, alkaline phosphatase activity, protein adsorption, type I collagen production as well as expression of other osteogenic differentiation markers.OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to assess the effectiveness of using Chitosan/ nano-Hydroxyapatite composite on healing and regeneration of bony defects of the jaws radiograhicaly by the aid of Cone beam computed tomography.METHODOLOGY: This study was performed on 14 patients having bone defects in their maxilla or mandible due to cysts or tumors. Patients were divided into two groups; test group in which patients had removal of bone lesion leaving bone defects treated with Chitosan/nano-Hydroxyapatite, and control group in which bone defects were left to heal spontaneously. Bone defects were examined radiographically using Cone beam computed tomography.RESULTS: A significant increase in bone density in bone defects treated with Chitosan/nano-hydroxyapatite, as well as significant decrease in bone defect size.