Evaluation of Autologous Bone Marrow Concentrate along with Hydroxyapatite-collagen for Management of Long Bone Fracture in Canines

Background: Fractures are a major concern in Veterinary orthopedic surgery because they are often complicated into non unions. The present study was planned to evaluate the fracture healing by using hydroxyapatite-collagen (HAp-Col) as a bone graft substitute and autologous bone marrow concentrate, after the internal fixation by titanium elastic pin. Method: The present work was conducted on 12 clinical cases of dogs having diaphyseal fracture of long bones. In group I (6 animals) fractures were immobilized by an internal fixation technique. In group II fracture was immobilized as in group I with use of autologous bone marrow concentrate along with Hydroxyapatite-collagen at the fracture site. The weight bearing and the progress of fracture healing were recorded. Result: Study showed early weight bearing and no observable lameness in group II as compared to group I animals. Fracture union was earlier and with minimum periosteal callus formation in one animal, five animals at 45 days and 60 days respectively while in group I fracture healing was observed in one animal, two animals at 60 day and 90 days respectively. On basis of result, it is concluded that Hydroxyapatite-collagen composite can be used as along with autolologus bone marrow concentrate as alternative therapy to bone graft in clinical cases to enhance the fracture healing. The use of autogenous and allogenic bone graft having some advantages which is overcome by this present technique.