Experimental studies on ultrasonic decalcification of bone implants.

Decalcification of the bone implant has been performed to accelerate bone induction. Ultrasound applied to rapid decalcification was investigated for immediate reimplantation of the resected jaw bone. Atomic absorption analysis of the amount of calcium dissolved into the solution of 0.6N HCl from the bone subjected to decalcification revealed that ultrasonic application markedly shortened decalcification time. Observation of ultrasonically decalcified bone matrix using scanning electron microscopy showed deeply perforated bone cavities and smoothly scrubbed hone surfaces, suggesting ultrasonic action to the bone in the decalcification solution. Histological findings of decalcified bone matrix implanted in the abdominal wall muscles of rabbits indicated that ultrasonic decalcification preserves the bone induction property of the implant.