Home > About the Hard Tissue Laboratory
About the Hard Tissue Laboratory
At the Hard Tissue Research Laboratory we investigate bone by using the
Donath/EXAKT technique of undecalcified histotechnology. The majority of the
research with which we're concerned involves implants. We also study various bone
grafting materials and techniques. A new area of research is bone augmentation
and growth enhancement using various bone promoting peptides and other natural or
genetically engineered chemicals.
Bone specimens are dehydrated, infiltrated,
and then embedded in a light curing resin. Very thin sections are possible and we
generally use 35µm to 50µm sections for the final examination. The primary focus
of many of our research projects is the implant/tissue interface. In this way, we
are able to assess the osseointegration of the bone and metal surface. Final
specimens are stained with various stains that emphasize the relative maturity of
the bone as well as differentiate between vital, non-vital, calcified, and
non-calcified bone elements. Computer assisted image analysis allows us to obtain
histomorphometric information. This is especially useful in analyzing bone cores
to determine the percentage of vital bone, non-vital grafted bone, and non-bone
materials such as various types of hydroxyapatite (HA). Fluorescence
microphotography of fluorochrome labelled bone specimens is also common.
| Office Hours |
| Monday-Friday |
8:00A.M. - 5:00P.M. Central Time |
| Telephone: |
Dr. Rohrer |
612-624-5478 |
| |
Hari Prasad |
612-626-2190 |
| Fax: |
|
612-626-3076 |
| Email: |
rohre008@umn.edu |
|
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