Clinical applications of eggshell-derived hydroxyapatite in bone regeneration

The search for bone regeneration materials and methods represents an ongoing challenge. One of the materials used in the bone regeneration is the eggshell. Its use in bone regeneration has a long history. The eggshell has several proprieties that allow making several byproducts which are currently used as supplements or in different surgical interventions. Up-to-date, many studies were performed and there are several research papers published reporting the eggshell use in humans for bone regeneration.

The group of researchers from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, reviewed the existing literature to find all the published papers on this topic. Following the literature review, the researchers summarized the current state of knowledge concerning eggshell and bone regeneration.

The researchers performed an extensive research in several medical databases to uncover over 800 studies after the search. They scanned all of them to reveal just 5 studies that meet the strict inclusion criteria for their review paper. They analyzed these studies critically and summarized the findings of each of them.

The main objective of their study, published in BJBMS was to investigate whether this material could be useful in oral bone regeneration.

Statistically significant radiological and clinical evidence of new bone formation was achieved using the eggshell as a substitute material in guided bone regeneration in oral surgery in the patients in the included studies. Based on the results of this study, the authors concluded that eggshell can be useful in oral bone regeneration. However, because the included studies have several limitations, further research is needed with more controlled and strict study protocols.

Furthermore, taking into considerations the conclusions of their study and the results of the reviewed studies, the authors of this review concluded that there is an evidence that eggshell could be a good bone regeneration material. Furthermore, this material is safe to use and does not produce any adverse effects.

Reference:

Opris H, Bran S, Dinu C, Baciut M, Prodan DA, Mester A, Baciut G. Clinical applications of avian eggshell-derived hydroxyapatite. Bosn J of Basic Med Sci. 2020Jul.7 

Editor: Edna Skopljak