Analytical technique for quantification of selected resorbable calcium phosphate bone void fillers with the use of polarized‐light microscopy

Abstract Synthetic calcium phosphate bone void fillers promote varying rates of bone formation and material resorption depending on chemistry, porosity, pore structure, and implant site. The objective of this study was to quantify the resorption of a novel ultraporous β‐tricalcium phosphate cancellous bone void filler with simultaneous quantification of bone formation in a canine humerus model. Potential measurement error involved in conventional histomorphometry using Von Kossa stains inspired the development of a new technique. This technique utilizes bright‐field and polarized‐light microscopy in conjunction with image analysis software, allowing more accurate histomorphometry. This technique was validated with two separate controlled experiments. Scanning electron microscopy further supported the results. The findings suggest that the use of polarized‐light microscopy combined with image analysis software can be an effective tool in simultaneously quantifying calcium phosphate resorption and bone formation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 72B: 125–130, 2005