This case report demonstrates the interface histology of hydroxyapatite-coated dental implants placed in a human vascularized iliac bone graft. Microscopic evaluation found a direct contact of lamellar bone to the implant surface even in areas of loose trabeculation. The hydroxyapatite coating was intact, with no evidence of resorption. This study appears to show that the healing response to hydroxyapatite-coated implants placed in vascularized bone grafts is similar to previously reported findings in nongrafted sites.

Keywords: bone-implant interface, hydroxyapatite-coated implants, vascularized bone grafts