Alternatives to autograft evaluated in a rabbit segmental bone defect.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to identify strategies for treating bone defects that can be completed on the day of surgery.

METHODS

Forty New Zealand white rabbits with unilateral rabbit radius segmental defects (15 mm) were treated with commercially available scaffolds containing either demineralised bone matrix (DBM) or a collagen/beta-tricalcium phosphate composite (Col:β-TCP); each scaffold was combined with either bone marrow aspirate (BMA) or concentrated BMA (cBMA). Bone regeneration was assessed through radiographic and histological analyses.

RESULTS

The concentration of nucleated cells, colony-forming unit-fibroblasts and platelets were increased and haematocrit concentration decreased in cBMA as compared to BMA (p < 0.05). Radiographic analyses of bone formation and defect bridging demonstrated significantly greater bone regeneration in the defects treated with DBM grafts as compared to Col:β-TCP grafts. The healing of bones treated with Col:β-TCP was improved when augmented with cBMA.

CONCLUSIONS

Scaffolds containing either DBM or Col:β-TCP with BMA or cBMA are effective same-day strategies available to clinicians for the treatment of bone defects; the latter scaffold may be more effective if combined with cBMA.