Osteogenic bone implant compositions that approximate the chemical
composition of natural bone are provided. The organic component of these
implant compositions is osteoinductive despite the presence of the
inorganic component and, further, is present in an amount sufficient to
maximize the regenerative capabilities of the implant without
compromising its formability and mechanical strength. The composition may
be an osteoinductive powder, including demineralized bone matrix (DBM)
particles, a calcium phosphate powder, and, optionally, a biocompatible
cohesiveness agent. The powder may be combined with a
physiologically-acceptable fluid to produce a formable, osteoinductive
paste that self-hardens to form a poorly crystalline apatitic (PCA)
calcium phosphate having significant compressive strength. The bone
implant materials retain their cohesiveness when introduced at an implant
site and are remodeled into bone in vivo. Methods for using these implant
materials to repair damaged bone and a method of assaying the content of
DBM particles, by weight, in a bone implant material are also provided.