Abstract: To study the osteogenesis and transformation process of calcium phosphate bioceramic in vivo, biodegradable porous beta-tricalcium phosphate ceramics (β-TCP, 5×8 mm) were implanted in the tibia of rabbits. β-TCP ceramics with surrounding bone tissue were retrieved and observed by SEM, TEM and EPMA every month after implantation. The results showed that osteogenesis was active and β-TCP ceramics bonded to bones directly. The new bones were forming and maturing as materials were continuously degrading, and materials were finally replaced by new bone. Parts of the materials were degraded, absorbed and recrystallized, while the rest were dispersed to the spongy bone and the Haversian lamella in an irregular arrangement, becoming incorporated into bone formation directly by remodeling the structure. Some β-TCP crystals cleaved along its (001) rhombohedral plane and formed lath-like crystals in vivo.

Key words: Calcium phosphate ceramics, Degradation, Osteogenesis, Transformation, Lath-like crystals