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.