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Clinical evaluation of uniaxially oriented poly-L-lactide rod for fixation of experimental femoral diaphyseal fracture in immature cats.

Transverse diaphyseal fractures of the femur were experimentally made in immature cats, and were fixed by an intramedullary pinning technique using an uniaxially oriented poly-L-lactide (PLLA) rod, a biodegradable polymer. The healing process was evaluated radiographically and histologically. Formation of bony callus was completed in 8 weeks, and cortical bony union followed. The remodeling process was then observed form 12 to 16 weeks. The healing process was almost the same as when a metallic implant was used. Abundant periosteal callus formation may be attributable to the lower elasticity of the PLLA rod compared with metallic implants. Since no other abnormalities such as growth deformities were detected, it was concluded that the combined use of a uniaxially oriented PLLA rod and an external splint is clinically useful for the repair of diaphyseal fractures in immature cats.

Animals↗

Post-fracture osteolysis of the pubic bone simulating a malignancy: report of a case.

Post-fracture osteolysis of the pubic bone is rare. We report a case of a 70-year-old woman with osteoporosis and a history of radiation therapy 2 years earlier. At presentation, she was found to have a bilateral sacral fracture and fractures of both pubic rami on one side. The pain persisted, and follow-up radiographs showed osteolysis of the pubic rami suggestive of metastatic disease. The development of a bony callus within 8 months established the diagnosis of benign osteolysis. About 50 cases of osteolysis at fracture sites have been reported to date, of which about a dozen occurred after radiation therapy. All the patients were elderly women with post-menopausal osteoporosis. Radiation therapy probably further increases the risk in this setting. The possibility of osteolysis at fracture sites in patients with osteoporosis should be borne in mind to avoid unnecessary and burdensome investigations that are costly and cause undue anxiety to the patients. Rest is the only effective treatment.

Aged↗

Healing between cartilage and bone ends. An experimental study.

Whether healing or nonunion occurs at the junction between cartilage and bone was studied in an animal experimental model. The costochondral junctions of the floating ribs of rabbits were excised and the cut ends of bone and cartilage reapproximated with wire. The process of healing was then observed. Fibrocartilaginous callus formed in the first week. Beginning in the second week, this was gradually replaced by bony callus, a process which started from the medullary cavity of the bone end. The cut end of the original cartilage showed no activity. The periosteum and perichondrium became continuous at 4 weeks. The site of ossification assumed the appearance of the original costochondral junction. The gap between the original cartilage and the new cartilage disappeared when fusion occurred at 48 weeks. Osteochondral junctions at various periods after operation were subjected to disruption force until the junctions were pulled apart. The average force required to break 16 junctions was 2,738 g, and was not related to the period of healing.

Animals↗

[Experimental study of poly-DL-lactic acid membrane guided bone regeneration in rabbit radii bone defects].

This study was conducted to observe bone regeneration guided by poly-DL-latic acid (PDLLA) membrane in rabbit radii bone defects and to explore the mechanism of the membrane guided bone regeneration (MGBR). The animal models of bony and periosteous defects were established in both radii of 40 adult New Zealand white rabbits. The left defect as the experimental side was bridged with PDLLA membrane tube, the right side as the controlled side was untreated. The specimens were collected at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. General observation, X-ray, histological observation and biomechanical examination were applied to the repair of the models of MGBR in both groups. Two weeks after operation, with much new bony callus formed outside the tube at both fragments, the membrane tube covered with connective tissues was filled with haematoma and fibrous callus. Twelve weeks after operation, the PDLLA membrane became white and its tube shape was still maintained. However, new bone callus outside the tube almost completely disappeared, and inside the tubes all radii bone defects were successfully repaired with bony union. On the controlled sides, bone defects were filled with connective tissues 2 weeks postoperatively. And 12 weeks after operation, the typical nonunion that had been formed after bone marrow canals were sealed with cortical bone. On the experimental side, the strength of the newly formed bone at the 12th week was higher than that at the 8th week (P<0.05), whereas the biomechanical examination could not be done on the controlled side. Therefore, these findings suggested that the bone regeneration could be successfully guided by PDLLA membrane, and this MGBR technique might be generally used in the treatment of bone defects and nonunion.

Animals↗

Topical application of nerve growth factor improves fracture healing in rats.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of nerve growth factor on the healing of unsplinted fractured ribs. After fracture of a rib in male rats, nerve growth factor was delivered by a miniosmotic pump to the fracture site for 7 days at the rate of 1.4 micrograms/day. Callus catecholamine concentrations, bone callus size, histomorphometry, and biomechanical properties of the repairing rib were measured at 7, 21, and 42 days after fracture. After 21 days, concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine were significantly increased in the group treated with nerve growth factor compared with those in the control group (211% norepinephrine and 322% epinephrine). Also, the midline longitudinal area of non-osseous (fibrous tissue and cartilage) callus of the fracture was significantly smaller (54%) and had a higher proportion of cartilage in the treated group than in the controls. By 42 days, there was only bony callus between the fracture ends in both the control group and the treated group. The treated group, however, again showed significantly elevated concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine (286 and 382%, respectively) and significantly elevated breaking stress (50%) and Young's modulus (51%), together with a reduction in the transverse cross-sectional area of the repair site (57%). The resultant increases in effectiveness and rate of repair of bone with administration of nerve growth factor suggest that it may play an important role in the healing processes of fractured bone.

Administration, Topical↗

Expression of platelet-derived growth factor proteins and their receptor alpha and beta mRNAs during fracture healing in the normal mouse.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), abundant in bone tissue, has been reported to stimulate mesenchymal cell proliferation and migration. To elucidate the functional roles of PDGF during fracture healing, we investigated the expression of PDGF-A and -B chain proteins and receptor alpha and beta mRNAs in fractured mouse tibiae. Twelve-week-old male BALB/c mice were operated on to make a closed fracture on the proximal tibia. On days 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 after the operation, the fractured tibiae were excised, fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde, decalcified with 20% EDTA, and embedded in paraffin to prepare 7-microm sections. Immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibodies against human PDGF-A and -B chains was carried out by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. For in situ hybridization, we used digoxigenin-labeled single-stranded DNA probes specific for mouse PDGF receptors alpha and beta generated by unidirectional polymerase chain reaction. In the inflammatory phase on days 2-4 after the fracture, mesenchymal cells gathering at the fracture site expressed the PDGF-B chain and beta receptor mRNA. At the stage of cartilaginous callus formation on day 7, the immunoreactivity for PDGF-A and -B chains on proliferating and hypertrophic chondrocytes and the signals of alpha and beta receptor mRNAs on proliferating chondrocytes became manifest. At the stage of bony callus and bone remodeling on days 14-21, the predominant expression of the PDGF-B chain and beta receptor was observed on both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. On day 28, signals for PDGF ligand proteins and receptor mRNAs diminished. The coincidental localization of PDGF ligands and their receptors implies a paracrine and autocrine mechanism. Our data suggested that PDGF contributed in part to the promotion of the chondrogenic and osteogenic changes of mesenchymal cells from the early to the midphase of fracture healing; the functions mediated by the beta receptor, including cell migration, might be prerequisites to the recruitment of mesenchymal cells in the initial step and to the interaction between osteoclasts and osteoblasts in the bone remodeling phase.

Animals↗

Bone ingrowth into dynamically loaded porous-coated intramedullary nails.

Research to determine whether porous-coated Vitallium intramedullary rods could be used to bridge segmental defects in long bones was performed using rabbit tibias as a suitable model for human bone growth. One-centimeter segments of the midshaft of tibias of mature rabbits were removed surgically and replaced with equal-sized segments of Silastic tubing to maintain leg length. A coated rod was inserted through the proximal tibial segment, through the tubing, and into the distal bone segment. The legs were taken out of plaster at 3 weeks, and x-rays were taken periodically until sacrifice. At sacrifice, 30 weeks postoperatively, the mechanical properties of both tibias from each rabbit were measured destructively in a torsional testing machine. The load at failure of the tibia with the segmental defect averaged 90% of the contralateral control tibia. Rod pullout data and electron-probe x-ray micro-analysis indicated that a substantial rod-endosteal bone bond existed due to ingrowth into the porous coating. The torsional data may have been somewhat obscured by the presence of bony callus which grew over the Silastic tubing and bridged the segmental defect exosteally in every case.

Animals↗

Mineralization and calcium fixation within a porous apatitic ceramic material after implantation in the femur of rabbits.

Cylinders (0.8 cm long, 1.0 cm of diameter and with an axial hole), constituted, after firing, of a ceramic mixture of hydroxylapatite (HA) and beta-tricalciumphosphate (beta-TCP) in a 10:1 ratio, were implanted into mid-diaphyseal defects of one femur of 20 rabbits and stabilized with intramedullary rods. The implantation sites were checked radiographically every month, and after 3 months (3 animals) and 6 months (17 animals) the rabbits were sacrificed and the implants with the surrounding tissue were embedded in methylmethacrylate, cut to thick sections and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Porosimetric and x-rays diffraction analyses were carried out before and after implantation of the cylinders, and the state of mineralization at the bone-implant interface was determined by EDAX microprobe analysis. Bony callus formation started at 1 month at the osteotomy sites, as judged by radiography, but after 3 months a not-mineralized zone had still been demonstrated between bone and the implants. At 6 months, 13 implants showed themselves firmly fixed in their implantations beds, while 4 implants were only incorporated at their proximal ends. In bone contact zones, an enrichment of Ca2+ was displayed by microanalytical techniques in the outer zone of the implanted samples which may be explained by an apparent additional phase transformation of HA into TCP, thanks to the change of the Ca/P ratio, that takes place in vivo.

Animals↗

Comparison of BMP-2 and combined IGF-I/TGF-ss1 application in a sheep cervical spine fusion model.

Growth factors have proven to promote spine fusion. However, no comparative evaluation of growth factors in spinal fusion has yet been performed. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of combined IGF-I and TGF-ss1 application with BMP-2 application and autologous cancellous bone graft at an early time point in a sheep cervical spine fusion model. Thirty-two sheep underwent C3/4 discectomy and fusion. They were divided into four groups, according to their treatment: group 1, titanium cage ( n=8); group 2, titanium cage filled with autologous cancellous iliac crest bone grafts ( n=8); group 3, titanium cage coated with a poly-(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) carrier including BMP-2 (5% w/w) ( n=8); group 4, titanium cage coated with a PDLLA carrier including IGF-I (5% w/w) and TGF-ss1 (1% w/w) ( n=8). Blood samples, body weight and temperature were analysed. Radiographic scans were performed pre- and postoperatively and after 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. At the same time points, disc space height and intervertebral angle were measured. After 12 weeks, the animals were killed and fusion sites were evaluated using functional radiographic views in flexion and extension. Quantitative computed tomographic scans were performed to assess bone mineral density, bone mineral content and bony callus volume. Biomechanical testing was carried out and the values for range of motion, and neutral and elastic zone were determined. Histomorphological and histomorphometrical analysis were performed and polychrome sequential labelling was used to determine the time frame of new bone formation. The results showed that, in comparison to the group treated with the cage alone (group 1), the cage plus BMP-2 group (group 3) and the cage plus IGF-I and TGF-ss1 group (group 4) demonstrated a significantly higher fusion rate in radiographic findings, a higher biomechanical stability, a more advanced interbody fusion in histomorphometrical analysis, and an accelerated interbody fusion on fluorochrome sequence labelling. In comparison to the bone graft group (group 2), the BMP-2 (group 3) and IGF-I/TGF-ss1 group (group 4) showed significantly less residual motion on functional radiographic evaluation, higher bone mineral density of the callus and higher biomechanical stability in extension, rotation and bending. The BMP-2 group showed significantly less residual motion on functional radiographic evaluation and higher intervertebral bone matrix formation on fluorochrome sequence labelling at 9 weeks in comparison to the IGF-I/TGF-ss1 group. In contrast, the IGF-I/TGF-ss1 group showed a significantly higher bone mineral density of the callus than the BMP-2 group. In comparison to the autologous cancellous bone graft group, both growth factors (BMP-2 and combined IGF-I and TGF-ss1) significantly improved the biomechanical results of interbody fusion. No systemic side effects were observed for either growth factor. On the basis of these preliminary results, it would appear that combined IGF-I/TGF-ss1 application yields equivalent results to BMP-2 application at an early time point in anterior sheep cervical spine fusion.

Animals↗

Fracture healing of the sheep tibia treated using a unilateral external fixator. Comparison of static and dynamic fixation.

It is generally accepted that when a fracture is treated with external fixation, dynamization of the fixation accelerates formation of the bony callus by transferring part of the functional loads. The aim of the research presented here was to validate this principle using in vivo measurements of callus stiffness. We created a transverse fracture in the mid third of the tibial shaft in 12 sheep and maintained a 3 mm gap between the fragments for 3 weeks. Two types of unilateral external fixators were applied. Axial loading was permitted (dynamization) from the fourth week onwards in 6 animals. In the other 6 animals, fixation remained static for both types of fixation. Weekly measurements of callus stiffness were obtained using a goniometer and load cell to assess bending stiffness. Two slightly different fixators were used. Callus formed in all 12 animals. Callus stiffness increased exponentially to reach the degree of stiffness measured on the contralateral side. There was no clear difference in healing between the two types of fixations nor between dynamic and static fixation. If a unilateral fixator was applied which did not maintain absolutely rigid fixation, the fracture generally healed well even without contact between the fragment ends. If the process of callus formation had begun normally, dynamic fixation offered no further benefit. Measuring the stiffness of the callus with an adequate measurement apparatus in vivo indicated that the fixator could be removed earlier than would have been authorized on the basis of radiological evidence alone.

Animals↗

Advantages and limitations of the fibula free flap in mandibular reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The authors analyze the advantages and disadvantages of mandibular reconstruction with a fibula free flap in a retrospective study of 29 cases, and make comparisons with the iliac free flap and the lateral brachial free flap. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients (22 male, 7 female) aged 5 to 70 years were studied. Functional and esthetic evaluations were performed together with radiologic examination of the bony calluses. RESULTS: The fibula free flap has advantages for mandibular reconstruction, such as the length of bone available, low morbidity of the donor site, and the possibility of using a skin paddle. However, there is the disadvantage of not being able to reconstruct large soft tissue defects. In addition, bone vascularization is reduced when a large number of osteotomies are required. CONCLUSION: This reconstruction technique is satisfactory for mandibular defects measuring over 20 cm.

Adolescent↗

Molecular aspects of healing in stabilized and non-stabilized fractures.

Bone formation is a continuous process that is initiated during fetal development and persists in adults in the form of bone regeneration and remodeling. These latter two aspects of bone formation are clearly influenced by the mechanical environment. In this study we tested the hypothesis that alterations in the mechanical environment regulate the program of mesenchymal cell differentiation, and thus the formation of a cartilage or bony callus, at the site of injury. As a first step in testing this hypothesis we produced stabilized and non-stabilized tibial fractures in a mouse model, then used molecular and cellular methods to examine the stage of healing. Using the "molecular map" of the fracture callus, we divided our analyzes into three phases of fracture healing: the inflammatory or initial phase of healing, the soft callus or intermediate stage, and the hard callus stage. Our results show that indian hedgehog(ihh), which regulates aspects of chondrocyte maturation during fetal and early postnatal skeletogenesis, was expressed earlier in an non-stabilized fracture callus as compared to a stabilized callus. ihh persisted in the non-stabilized fracture whereas its expression was down-regulated in the stabilized bone. IHH exerts its effects on chondrocyte maturation through a feedback loop that may involve bone morphogenetic protein 6 [bmp6; (S. Pathi, J.B. Rutenberg, R.L. Johnson, A. Vortkamp, Developmental Biology 209 (1999) 239-253)] and the transcription factor gli3. bmp6 and gli3 were re-induced in domain adjacent to the ihh-positive cells during the soft and hard callus stages of healing. Thus, stabilizing the fracture, which circumvents or decreases the cartilaginous phase of bone repair, correlates with a decrease in ihh signaling in the fracture callus. Collectively, our results illustrate that the ihh signaling pathway participates in fracture repair, and that the mechanical environment affects the temporal induction of ihh, bmp6 and gli3. These data support the hypothesis that mechanical influences affect mesenchymal cell differentiation to bone.

Animals↗

[MRI diagnosis in longitudinal stress fractures: differential diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma].

PURPOSE: To compare MR imaging features of stress fractures, simulating malignancies, and Ewing sarcomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging studies of 4 patients with longitudinal stress fractures of the tibia (n = 2) and the femur (n = 2) simulating malignancy were retrospectively compared with the MRI scans of 10 patients with histologically proven Ewing sarcoma (femur n = 5; tibia n = 3, fibula n = 1, humerus n = 1). The diagnosis of stress fractures was confirmed by follow-up examinations. An additional biopsy was performed in two patients. RESULTS: Despite negative x-ray examinations, MRI showed the fracture line in all patients with stress fractures. In these cases marrow edema was irregular and there was no well defined margin towards normal fatty marrow. In contrast Ewing sarcomas were sharply demarcated in 9/10 cases. Extraosseous enhancing soft tissue was found in Ewing sarcomas as well as in stress fractures. In stress fractures the enhancing mass was repair tissue. Areas of necrosis within the enhancing mass was seen in (8/10) Ewing sarcomas, only. In follow-up studies we observed a decrease of the marrow edema in patients with stress fractures. Occurrence of low signal areas in T1- and T2-weighted sequences within the initial enhanced extraosseous tissue corresponded to bony callus on x-rays films. CONCLUSIONS: Repair tissue in stress fractures can imitate malignancy. The irregularity of the marrow edema without well defined margins, the lack of necrosis in the small enhancing tissue and the proof of the fracture line in the MRI are criteria to differentiate stress fractures from Ewing sarcomas. Short-term follow up studies are helpful to underline the diagnosis.

Adolescent↗

Bioabsorbable interbody cages in a sheep cervical spine fusion model.

STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study using a sheep cervical spine interbody fusion model. OBJECTIVES: To compare interbody fusion of an autologous tricortical iliac crest bone graft with two bioabsorbable cages and to determine whether there are differences between the three interbody fusion techniques in 1) the ability to preserve postoperative distraction, 2) the biomechanical stability, and 3) the histologic characteristics of intervertebral bone matrix formation. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: Bioabsorbable cages would be beneficial compared with metallic cages; however, currently no suitable bioabsorbable interbody fusion cage is available. METHOD: Twenty-four sheep underwent C3/C4 discectomy and fusion. The following stabilization techniques were used: Group 1) autologous tricortical iliac crest bone graft (n = 8); Group 2) bioabsorbable cage made of 70/30 poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide) (experimental) filled with autologous cancellous bone graft (n = 8); Group 3) bioabsorbable cage made of a polymer-calciumphosphate composite (Biomet Europe, Dordrecht, The Netherlands) filled with autologous cancellous bone graft (n = 8). Radiographic scans to determine disc space height were performed before and after surgery and after 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively. After 12 weeks, animals were killed, and fusion sites were evaluated using functional radiographic views in flexion and extension. Quantitative computed tomographic scans were used to assess bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and bony callus volume. Biomechanical testing was performed in flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending to determine stiffness, ROM, and neutral and elastic zone. Histomorphological and histomorphometrical analysis were performed to evaluate fusion and foreign body reactions associated with the bioabsorbable cages. RESULTS: Over a 12-week period, the polymer-calciumphosphate composite cage showed significantly higher values for disc space height compared with the bone graft and the poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide) cage. Additionally, the polymer-calciumphosphate composite cage demonstrated a significantly higher stiffness and lower ROM, neutral zone, and elastic zone in axial rotation and lateral bending than any other group. However, quantitative computed tomographic scans demonstrated cracks in six of the eight polymer-calciumphosphate composite cages after 12 weeks. Histologically, the highest bone volume/total volume ratio and the highest fusion rate were found in the polymer-calciumphosphate composite cage group. Although the poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide) cage showed grade I through III foreign body reactions in all fusion areas, only two animals developed grade I foreign body reactions with the polymer-calciumphosphate composite cage. CONCLUSION: After 12 weeks, there was no significant difference between the bioabsorbable poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide) cage and the tricortical bone graft. In comparison to the tricortical bone graft, the bioabsorbable polymer-calciumphosphate composite cage showed significantly better distractive properties, a significantly higher biomechanical stiffness, and an advanced interbody fusion; however, six of eight polymer-calciumphosphate composite cages cracked. Although the fate of the foreign body reactions and the cracks is currently unclear for both bioabsorbable cages, the early appearance of large osteolysis associated with use of the poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide) cage allows skepticism regarding the value of this bioabsorbable implant.

Absorbable Implants↗

Bioceramic implantation in the intermandibular space in bilateral rostral mandibulectomy of the dog.

Effect of bioceramic implantation on the intermandibular space along with plating in rostral mandibulectomy was investigated in the dog. In this group, bioceramic beads consisting of a complex of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate were implanted in the intermandibular space between the lingual surfaces of the fracture ends. In two other groups, the dogs received only plating on the ostectomized end, or they received only rostal mandibulectomy without plating. No difficulty in mastication was observed in the implanted group after surgery. In the dogs which received plating, however, difficulty was noted only in the 4th week when wet food was replaced by dry food, and in the control group in the 6th week after the surgery. From the radiological and microscopical findings, in dogs with only plating or without the fixation there was no bony union in the intermandibular space at 16 weeks, though the increase in fibrous tissue and bony callus in the area was much greater in the plated dogs than in the control group. In the implanted group, on the other hand, the increase in callus formation was considerable compared to the other groups. Moreover, the lingual surfaces of the fracture ends were well ossified at 12 postoperative weeks. This suggests that in canine bilateral rostral mandibulectomy the stabilization of the fracture ends with plates and bioceramic implants filling a gap in the intermandibular space may enhance the ossification between the fracture ends and prevent postoperative difficulty in mastication.

Animals↗

The effect of environmental temperature on the rate of healing of fractures in tail vertebrae of mice.

The effect of the environmental temperature on the healing of fractures was assessed in vertebrae of tails of young albino mice. It was found that fractures in animals kept at 33 degrees Celsius healed very rapidly (bony callus by 14 days) while in animals kept in the cold (8 degrees Celsius) fractures were still at the stage of granulation tissue at this time. Controls were at an intermediate stage. This result might have a clinical application.

Animals↗

Mechanical tension-stress induces expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and BMP-4, but not BMP-6, BMP-7, and GDF-5 mRNA, during distraction osteogenesis.

Bone lengthening with osteotomy and gradual distraction was achieved in 57 rats, and the effect of mechanical tension-stress on gene expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) was investigated by in situ hybridization and Northern blot analysis using probes of BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, BMP-7, and growth/differentiation factor (GDF)-5. There was a lag phase for 7 days after femoral osteotomy until gradual distraction was carried out for 21 days at a rate of 0. 25 mm/12 h using a small external fixator. The signals of the above BMPs mRNA were not detected in the intact rat bone but they were induced after osteotomy except those for BMP-7. By 4 days after osteotomy, BMP-2 and BMP-4 mRNAs were detected in chondrogenic precursor cells in the subperiosteal immature callus. BMP-6 and GDF-5 mRNA were detected in more differentiated cells in chondroid bone. By 7 days after osteotomy, cartilaginous external callus and bony endosteal callus were formed. Meanwhile, the signals of BMP-2 and BMP-4 mRNAs declined to preoperative levels, whereas the signals of BMP-6 and GDF-5 mRNAs were rather elevated. As distraction was started, the callus elongated and eventually separated into proximal and distal segments forming a fibrous interzone in the middle. Expression of BMP-2 and BMP-4 mRNAs was markedly induced at this stage. Their signals were detected widely among chondrogenic and osteogenic cells and their precursor cells sustaining mechanical tension-stress at the fibrous interzone. BMP-6 and GDF-5 mRNAs were detected exclusively in chondrogenic cells at both ends of the fibrous interzone, where endochondral ossification occurred. But neither mRNA was detected in terminally differentiated hypertrophic chondrocytes. As distraction advanced, the cartilage was progressively resorbed from both ends and new bone was formed directly by intramembranous ossification. There was no new cartilage formation in the advanced stage of distraction. The signals of BMP-6 and GDF-5 mRNA declined by this stage, while those of BMP-2 and BMP-4 were maintained at high level for as long as distraction was continued. After completion of distraction, the fibrous interzone fused and the lengthened segment was consolidated. BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, nor GDF-5 was expressed at this stage. The signals of BMP-7 were not detected throughout the experiment. The present results suggest that excellent and uninterrupted bone formation during distraction osteogenesis owes to enhanced expression of BMP-2 and BMP-4 genes by mechanical tension-stress. Abundant gene products of BMP-2 and BMP-4 could induce in situ bone formation by paracrine and autocrine mechanisms.

Animals↗

[Application of decalcified dental matrix in bone reparation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of decalicified dental matrix (DDM) on healing of traumatic fracture and its side-effect. METHODS: From June 1997 to December 1998, 42 patients with closed traumatic long bone fracture (36 males and 6 females, aged from 18 to 57 years with an average of 32 years) were divided into two groups randomly; open reduction and internal fixation were carried out in all patients, but the DDM was used only in experimental group. After operation, the body temperature, ALT, and bone union time were observed and recorded. RESULTS: Following-up 1 to 3 years, the bone union time of experimental group was significantly shorter than that of control group (P < 0.01), there was no significant difference in the temperature and ALT changes between two groups(P > 0.05). No infection occurred. CONCLUSION: DDM can promote the growth of bony callus and enhance the healing of fracture. There is no side-effect.

Adolescent↗