Irregular bone defect repair via tissue-engineered periosteum approach in rabbit model.
Abstract Background As an alternative of bone grafts for defect repair, tissue engineering is much promising for clinical application. In previous studies, we have succeeded in repair of long bone defect with homemade tissue-engineered periosteum (TEP), of which is fabraicated by incorporating osteogenically induced mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of rabbits with a scaffold of small intestinal submucosa (SIS).Methods In this study, we are aimed to discuss the feasibility of allogenic irregular bone defect repair with the TEP. Thirty-six rabbits whose scapulas were subtotally resected to establish large irregular bone defects model in allogenic rabbits. The defects were treat respectively with TEP (Group 1, n=12), allogenic deproteinized bone (DPB) (Group 2, n=12) and hybrid of TEP and DPB (Group 3, n=12). At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery, the rabbits were sacrificed, and the implants were harvested. X-ray radiographic and histological examinations were performed.ResultsThe findings suggested that the radiographic score in TEP-DPB hybrided implantation (Group 3) was higher than TEP or DPB grafting only (p<0.05).But that was inconsistent with histological findings, which Group1 appeared to possess significantly higher bone formation than Group 2 (p<0.05) and Group3 has higher new bone volume than that of Group 2 (p<0.05).Conclusion We conclude that TEP is a promising alternative in repair of large irregular bone defect.DPB served as a 3D scaffold in combining TEP could provide mechanical support and shaping guide, but hinder new bone formation via TEP approach due to retard degradation.