Enhanced osseointegration of porous titanium scaffold implanted with preload: an experiment study in rabbits / Osteointegración mejorada de malla de titanio poroso implantada con precarga: un estudio experimental en conejos

Porous titanium alloy scaffold was widely used in treating bone defect caused by traumatic injury and osteomyelitis, which was incapable of self-healing. The implantation of scaffold produced stress shielding thereby forming osteolysis. The objective of this study was to analysis trabecular morphological features of osseointegrated bone. 14 New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups, surgery group and healthy control group. 7 rabbits in surgery group were selected to perform 3D printed porous titanium alloy scaffold implantation surgery with preload at the defect of femoral condyle for osseointegration. The other 7 rabbits in control group were feed free. After 90 days healing, femoral condyles were extracted to perform micro-CT scanning with hydroxyapatite calibration phantom. Mean bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), BS/TV (bone surface area ratio), Tb.Th (thickness of trabeculae), Tb.N (number of trabeculae), Tb.Sp (trabecular separation) and DA (degree of anisotropy) were calculated from micro-CT images. The results revealed that osseointegration inside and at the surface of scaffolds worked well from grey values of micro-CT images. After 12 weeks healing, mean bone mineral densities (BMD) in surgery group and healthy control group were calculated as 800±20mg/cm3 and 980±90mg/cm3, respectively. This revealed that the strength of trabeculae in surgery group might lower than that in the healthy group. Trabecular morphological parameters test showed that trabecular morphological parameters at the surface of scaffolds in the surgery group deteriorated significantly. It was found from micro-CT images that ingrowth bone was filled with pores of scaffold. Overall, the effect of osseointegration was promoted through the change of mechanical micro-environment in the scaffold region. Overall, preload could improve osseointegration effect in the long-term after surgery. However, the trabecular morphology in the surgery group was deteriorated, which might bring secondary fracture risk again.

La malla de aleación de titanio poroso se usó ampliamente en el tratamiento de defectos óseos causados por lesiones traumáticas y osteomielitis. El implante de la malla generó una protección contra el estrés, formando así osteolisis. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las características morfológicas trabeculares del hueso osteointegrado. Se dividieron 14 conejos (Neozelandeses) en dos grupos, grupo cirugía y grupo control saludable. Se seleccionaron 7 conejos en el grupo de cirugía para realizar una implantación de mallas de aleación de titanio poroso, impresas en 3D con precarga en el defecto del cóndilo femoral para la osteointegración. Los 7 conejos restantes del grupo control se mantuvieron sin alimentación. Después de 90 días de curación, se extrajeron los cóndilos femorales para realizar una exploración por micro-CT con un espectro de calibración de hidroxiapatita. Se calcularon a partir de imágenes de micro-CTDensidad mineral ósea media (DMO), fracción de volumen óseo (BV / TV), BS / TV (relación de área de superficie ósea), Tb.Th (espesor de trabéculas), Tb.N (número de trabéculas), Tb.Sp (trabecular separación) y DA (grado de anisotropía). Los resultados revelaron que la osteointegración dentro y en la superficie de los andamios funcionó bien a partir de los valores grises de las imágenes de micro-CT. Después de 12 semanas de curación, las densidades medias de minerales óseos (DMO) en el grupo cirugía y en el grupo control sano se calcularon como 800 ± 20 mg/cm3 y 980 ± 90 mg/cm3, respectivamente. Esto reveló que la fuerza de las trabéculas en el grupo de cirugía podría ser menor que la del grupo sano. La prueba de parámetros morfológicos trabeculares mostró que en el grupo de cirugía, la superficie de las mallas, se deterioraron significativamente. Se descubrió a partir de imágenes de microCT que el hueso en crecimiento estaba lleno de poros de andamio. En general, el efecto de la osteointegración se promovió mediante el cambio del microambiente mecánico en la región de la malla. En general, la precarga podría mejorar el efecto de osteointegración a largo plazo después de la cirugía. Sin embargo, la morfología trabecular en el grupo de cirugía se deterioró, lo que podría traer un nuevo riesgo de fractura secundaria.

Recurrent primary hydatid disease of tibia / Quiste hidatídico primario recurrente de la tibia

Hydatid disease is caused by a cestode, Echinococcus. Its intermediate hosts are herbivores but humans can be accidental hosts. Hydatid disease is endemic in some parts of America, Australia, the Mediterranean region, Central Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe. The organs most frequently affected by Echinococcus are the liver and the lungs. Primary involvement of the skeleton is rare. Cases have been reported in the vertebrae, pelvis, humerus and femur. The location of hydatid cysts in the tibia is rarely described in the medical literature. We, herein, report a case of primary hydatid cyst of the tibia presenting with a pathologic fracture simulating benign bone cystic lesion. The diagnosis of hydatid bone disease was not suspected preoperatively. This case emphasizes the importance of considering hydatid disease in the differential diagnosis of cystic bone lesions, especially in individuals coming from regions where the disease is endemic.

La enfermedad hidatídica es causada por un céstodo del género equinococo. Sus huéspedes intermediarios son animales herbívoros, pero los seres humanos pueden ser huéspedes accidentales. La enfermedad hidatídica es endémica en algunas partes de América, Australia, la región mediterránea, Asia central, y Europa central y oriental. Los órganos más frecuentemente afectados por los equinococos son el hígado y los pulmones. Es raro un compromiso primario del esqueleto es rara. Se han reportado casos en las vértebras, pelvis, húmero y fémur. La localización de los quistes hidatídicos en la tibia, raramente se describe en la literatura médica. Aquí reportamos un caso de quiste hidatídico primario de la tibia acompañado de fractura patológica simulando una lesión quística benigna del hueso. El diagnóstico de la enfermedad hidatídica ósea no fue sospechado preoperatoriamente. Este caso destaca la importancia de considerar la hidatidosis en el diagnóstico diferencial de las lesiones óseas quísticas, especialmente en individuos procedentes de regiones donde la enfermedad es endémica.

Inhibición del crecimiento longitudinal en hemiepifisiodesis: análisis experimental en conejos / Longitudinal growth inhibition in hemiepiphysiodesis: experimental analysis in rabbits

Introducción: La modificación del eje de un miembro mediante la detención parcial del crecimiento (hemiepifisiodesis), es un procedimiento habitual en la cirugía ortopédica pediátrica. Sin embargo no está bien establecido cuánto afecta este procedimiento al crecimiento final del hueso. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar en forma experimental la inhibición del crecimiento longitudinal producido por una hemiepifisiodesis. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizaron, 10 conejos de 8 semanas de vida, a los que se les colocó una grapa en el fémur distal externo derecho. En la 8ª semana del estudio (16 semanas de vida) se realizó la comparación radiológica e histológica de ambos fémures. Resultados: La longitud final media de los fémures con grapas a las 8 semanas finalizado el experimento fue de 89,6mm (rango 87mm-95mm) versus 95,7mm (rango 91mm-100mm) de los fémures sanos. El porcentaje de inhibición media del crecimiento fisario al final del experimento fue de 6,58% (rango 3.2%-10%). Conclusiones: Se demostró experimentalmente la disminución global de la actividad de la fisis durante la hemiepifisiodesis. Esto debe ser tenido en cuenta cuando indicamos una hemiepifisiodesis unilateral en un niño con una discrepancia previa de longitud.

Exploring anorganic bovine bone granules as osteoblast carriers for bone bioengineering: a study in rat critical-size calvarial defects

It is known that current trends on bone bioengineering seek ideal scaffolds and explore innovative methods to restore tissue function. In this way, the objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of anorganic bovine bone as osteoblast carrier in critical-size calvarial defects. MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells (1x10(5) cells/well) were cultured on granules of anorganic bovine bone in 24-well plates and after 24 h these granules were implanted into rat critical-size calvarial defects (group Biomaterial + Cells). In addition, other groups were established with different fillings of the defect: Blood Clot (negative control); Autogenous Bone (positive control); Biomaterial (only granules) and Cells (only MC3T3-E1 cells). After 30 days, the animals were euthanized and the calvaria were technically processed in order to allow histological and morphometric analysis. It was possible to detect blood vessels, connective tissue and newly formed bone in all groups. Particularly in the Biomaterial + Cells group, it was possible to observe a profile of biological events between the positive control group (autogenous bone) and the group in which only anorganic bovine granules were implanted. Altogether, the results of the present study showed that granules of anorganic bovine bone can be used as carrier to osteoblasts and that adding growth factors at the moment of implantation should maximize these results.

Sabe-se que uma das atuais tendências na bioengenharia óssea é procurar um carreador ideal e explorar métodos inovadores para restaurar a função do tecido. Desta forma, nosso objetivo foi avaliar o comportamento do osso bovino inorgânico como carreador de osteoblastos em defeitos ósseos de tamanho crítico em calvária de ratos. Osteoblastos da linhagem MC3T3-E1 (1x10(5) células/poço) foram cultivadas em grânulos de osso bovino inorgânico sob placas de 24 poços e após 24 h esses grânulos foram implantados em defeitos ósseos de tamanho crítico em calvária de ratos. Além deste grupo experimental (Biomaterial + Células), foram estabelecidos outros grupos com diferentes preenchimentos do defeito crítico: coágulo sanguíneo (controle negativo); osso autógeno (controle positivo); Biomaterial (apenas grânulos) e Células (apenas células MC3T3-E1). Após 30 dias, os animais foram eutanasiados e as calvárias foram processadas histotecnicamente, a fim de permitir a análise histológica e morfometria. Nossos resultados mostraram que em todos os grupos avaliados foi possível detectar vasos sanguíneos, tecido conjuntivo e osso neoformado. Em especial para o grupo tratado com Biomaterial + Células, foi possível observar um perfil de eventos biológicos intermediário ao grupo controle positivo (osso autógeno) e o grupo de biomaterial (apenas grânulos inorgânico bovino). Ao todo, nossos resultados mostraram que os grânulos de osso bovino inorgânico podem ser usados como carreador de osteoblastos e que a adição de fatores de crescimento no momento em que ocorre o implante deve maximizar os resultados.

Gingival fibromatosis with hemi-osseous hyperplasia of jaws, focal maxillary viral papillomatosis of gingiva, fissured tongue and congenitally missing anterior teeth: A case report and surgical management of a new syndrome.

Gingival fibromatosis is characterized by fibrotic enlargement of the gingiva that can occur as inherited or sporadic form. Inherited form can be an isolated trait or as a component of a syndrome. This article reports a 35 year old male patient affected by gingival fibromatosis associated with hemiosseous hyperplasia of mandible, maxilla, and zygoma on the right side, viral papillomatosis of maxillary anterior gingiva, fissured tongue and congenitally missing anterior teeth. The patient was subjected to phase I and phase II periodontal therapy. There was no evidence of recurrence of the enlargement after one year but the papillomatosis recurred. Gingival fibromatosis has been reported to be associated with various other abnormalities but not with those described in our case. This observation raises the possibility that the coexistence of these entities in our case may represent a new syndrome.

Strategies for stimulation of new bone formation: a critical review

Large bone defects, congenital or caused by diseases, trauma or surgery, do not heal spontaneously and are usually a clinical challenge in the orthopedic and dental practices. A critical review concerning strategies to substitute lost bone or stimulate osteogenesis was undertaken. Pivotal concepts ranging from traditional bone grafting and use of biomaterials to local application of growth factors and gene therapy were addressed, including critical comments on the efficacy and safety, difficulties, advantages and disadvantages of each method. The most predictable results are still obtained with autogenous bone graft, despite the inconveniences of morbidity and limited availability of graft material. Satisfactory results have been reported for recombinant bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMPs)-2 and -7, which distinguish for their osteoinductive property, the difficulty being the need for a degradable carrier that allows its continuous release in a rate compatible to that of new bone formation. Other bone growth factors are currently under evaluation in preclinical models of bone defects; however their efficacy is also dependent on the competence of a delivery strategy and on an appropriate delineation of “which one”, “which dose” and “when”. Parameters of efficiency and safety for gene therapy are still being established. In conclusion, given the variety of growth factors involved in the complex cascade of bone repair and the biological interactions between them, it remains a challenge to accomplish the ideal strategy to stimulate reparational bone formation in specific conditions of the medical as in the dental practices.

Defeitos ósseos de grandes dimensões, congênitos ou causados por doenças, traumas ou cirurgias, não se regeneram espontaneamente e são, no geral, um desafio para médicos e dentistas. O presente trabalho apresenta uma revisão crítica sobre estratégias para substituir tecido ósseo ou estimular a osteogênese reparacional. São apresentados conceitos relevantes relativos aos métodos tradicionais de enxertos/implantes ósseos e uso de biomateriais até a aplicação local de fatores de crescimento e a terapia gênica, incluindo comentários críticos sobre eficácia, segurança, dificuldades, vantagens e desvantagens de cada método. Os resultados mais previsíveis ainda são obtidos com enxertos ósseos autógenos, apesar das incoveniências de morbidade e disponibilidade limitada de material. Resultados satisfatórios têm sido relatados com o uso de proteínas ósseas morfogenéticas humanas recombinantes (rhBMPs)-2 e -7, que se distinguem pela capacidade de osteoindução, apesar da necessidade do uso combinado com um carreador biodegradável que permita sua liberação em um ritmo compatível com o da neoformação óssea. Outros fatores de crescimento ósseo estão presentemente em fase pré-clinica de avaliação e sua eficácia também depende de uma estratégia adequada de liberação, além da definição de parâmetros como “qual fator”, “em que dose” e “quando”. Ainda estão sendo estabelecidos os parâmetros de eficiência e segurança para aplicação da terapia gênica em defeitos ósseos. Concluindo, diante da grande variedade de fatores de crescimento envolvidos na complexa cascata do reparo ósseo e das interações que eles estabelecem, definir a melhor estratégia para estimular a formação óssea em situações específicas das práticas médica e odontológica permanece um desafio para cientistas e clínicos.

Repair of critical-size defects with autogenous periosteum-derived cells combined with bovine anorganic apatite/collagen: an experimental study in rat calvaria

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone repair using autogenous periosteum-derived cells (PDC) and bovine anorganic apatite and collagen (HA-COL). PDC from Wistar rats (n=10) were seeded on HA-COL discs and subjected to osteoinduction during 6 days. Critical-size defects in rat calvarias were treated with blood clot (G1), autogenous bone (G2), HA-COL (G3) and HA-COL combined with PDC (G4) (n=40), and then analyzed 1 and 3 months after surgeries. Radiographic analysis exhibited no significant temporal change. G1 and G2 had discrete new marginal bone, but the radiopacity of graft materials in G2, G3 and G4 impaired the detection of osteogenesis. At 3 months, histopathological analysis showed the presence of ossification islets in G1, which was more evident in G2, homogeneous new bone around HA-COL in G3 and heterogeneous new bone around HA-COL in G4 in addition to moderate presence of foreign body cells in G3 and G4. Histomorphometric analysis showed no change in the volume density of xenograft (p>0.05) and bone volume density in G2 was twice greater than in G1 and G4 after 3 months (p<0.05), but similar to G3. The PDC did not increase bone formation in vivo, although the biomaterial alone showed biocompatibility and osteoconduction capacity.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o reparo ósseo usando células derivadas de periósteo (PDC) e apatita inorgânica e colágeno bovinos (HA-COL). PDC de ratos Wistar (n=10) foram semeadas sobre discos de HA-COL e osteoinduzidas por 6 dias. Defeitos de tamanho crítico em calvárias de ratos foram tratados com coágulo sanguíneo (G1), osso autógeno (G2), HA-COL (G3) ou HA-COL associado a PDC (G4) (n=40) e analisados em 1 e 3 meses após as cirurgias. Análise radiográfica não exibiu mudança temporal significante, G1 e G2 tiveram aumento discreto de novo osso marginal, entretanto a radiopacidade dos materiais de enxerto em G2, G3 e G4 prejudicou a detecção de osteogênese. Análise histopatológica mostrou em 3 meses ilhotas de ossificação em G1 que foi maior em G2, novo osso homogêneo ao redor de HA-COL em G3 e novo osso heterogêneo ao redor de HA-COL em G4 além da presença moderada de células gigantes de corpo estranho em G3 e G4. Análise histomorfométrica mostrou a densidade de volume inalterada do xenoenxerto (p>0,05) e a densidade de volume de novo osso em G2 duas vezes maior que G1 e G4 após 3 meses (p<0,05), mas similar a G3. PDC não aumentaram a formação óssea in vivo apesar do biomaterial sozinho ter apresentado biocompatibilidade e capacidade osteocondutora.

Long-term Outcomes of Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy for Idiopathic Ulnar Impaction Syndrome: At Least 5-Years Follow-up

BACKGROUND: There have been few outcomes studies with follow-up after performing ulnar shortening osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome. We investigated the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of ulnar shortening osteotomy for the treatment of idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 36 patients who had undergone ulnar shortening osteotomy for idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome for a mean follow-up of 79.1 months (range, 62 to 132 months). The modified Gartland and Werley scores were measured pre- and postoperatively. The radiographic parameters for the assessment of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) as well as the relationship between these radiographic parameters and the clinical and radiological outcomes were determined. RESULTS: The average modified Gartland and Werley wrist score improved from 65.5 +/- 8.1 preoperatively to 93.4 +/- 5.8 at the last follow-up visit. The average preoperative ulnar variance of 4.7 +/- 2.0 mm was reduced to an average of -0.6 +/- 1.4 mm postoperatively. Osteoarthritic changes of the DRUJ were first seen at 34.8 +/- 11.1 months follow-up in 6 of 36 wrists (16.7%). Those who had osteoarthritic changes in the DRUJ had significantly wider preoperative ulnar variance, a longer distal radioulnar distance and a greater length of ulnar shortening, but the wrist scores of the patients who had osteoarthritic changes in the DRUJ were comparable to those who did not have osteoarthritic changes in the DRUJ. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcomes are satisfactory for even more than 5 years after ulnar shortening osteotomy for treating idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome despite the osteoarthritic changes of the DRUJ. The patients who need a larger degree of ulnar shortening may develop DRUJ arthritis.

Recomendaciones para el procesamiento de especímenes en patología ósea. Experiencia del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología de Colombia / Recommendations for processing bone specimens in pathology: practice at the National Cancer Institute of Colombia

El procesamiento y estudio de la patología ósea es un reto diario para el patólogo debido a su complejidad diagnóstica. Las muestras con componente óseos requieren procedimientos como la manipulación de grandes piezas quirúrgicas y su descalcificación para obtener tejidos evaluables al microscopio. Lo anterior retarda el reporte patológico 20 a 30 días demorando el diagnóstico definitivo y el inicio de tratamiento o la evaluación de la respuesta a terapias neoadyudantes. Se desarrolló una guía de procesamiento de especímenes óseos que reduce los tiempos hasta el diagnóstico definitivo en 2 a 3 días para biopsias y en 13 a 15 días para amputaciones y resecciones en bloque. Presentamos una guía práctica, rápida y reproducible.

The processing and study of bone biopsias represent a challenge for the pathologist due to the complexity of diagnosis. Bone samples require special processing such as the manipulation and decalcification of big surgical specimens in order to obtain evaluable tissue under the microscope. Consequently, the pathology is performed in about 20-30 days delaying the final diagnosis, the beginning of treatment, or the evaluation of neoadyuvant therapy response. A practical guideline for bone specimen processing was developed reducing layout time for final diagnosis around 2-3 days for biopsies and 13-15 days for surgical specimens. A practical, nimble, and reliable guideline is presented.

Bone regeneration in surgically created defects filled with autogenous bone: an epifluorescence microscopy analysis in rats

Although the search for the ideal bone substitute has been the focus of a large number of studies, autogenous bone is still the gold standard for the filling of defects caused by pathologies and traumas, and mainly, for alveolar ridge reconstruction, allowing the titanium implants installation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of autogenous bone graft incorporation process to surgically created defects in rat calvaria, using epifluorescence microscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five adult male rats weighing 200-300 g were used. The animals received two 5-mm-diameter bone defects bilaterally in each parietal bone with a trephine bur under general anesthesia. Two groups of defects were formed: a control group (n=5), in which the defects were filled with blood clot, and a graft group (n=5), in which the defects were filled with autogenous bone block, removed from the contralateral defect. The fluorochromes calcein and alizarin were applied at the 7th and 30th postoperative days, respectively. The animals were killed at 35 days. RESULTS: The mineralization process was more intense in the graft group (32.09 percent) and occurred mainly between 7 and 30 days, the period labeled by calcein (24.66 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The fluorochromes showed to be appropriate to label mineralization areas. The interfacial areas between fluorochrome labels are important sources of information about the bone regeneration dynamics.

Effects of folk medicinal plant extract Ankaferd Blood Stopper® on early bone healing

OBJECTIVE: Several haemostatic agents are available for clinical use. Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS), a mixture of five medicinal plant extracts, has been used historically as a haemostatic agent. The aim of this in vivo study was to investigate the effects of ABS on early bone healing using a rat tibia defect model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen male Wistar rats were randomized into two groups of 8 animals each. After deep anesthesia with ketamine, bone defects (3 mm diameter and 2 mm deep) were created in the right and left tibiae of all animals and either treated with 1 cc of ABS (Group 1) or left untreated (Group 2; control). Surgical areas were closed primarily. The animals were sacrificed on the 7th postoperative day and bone samples were collected from the tibias. The samples were examined histopathologically for infection, necrosis, fibrosis, new bone formation and foreign body reaction. The histomorphometric results were analyzed statistically by the chi square test, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in both groups in terms of inflammation, necrosis and new bone formation (p=0.001, p=0.0001, p=0.001). No foreign body reaction was observed in the experimental group. ABS application decreased fibrosis in the experimental group, but there were no statistically significant differences from the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathologically, it was observed that the application of ABS decreased the occurrence of inflammation and necrosis, while increasing new bone formation in early bone healing period. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary for evaluating the benefits and possible adverse effects of the application of this herbal product on wound healing.

Effect of low level laser therapy on the repair of bone defects grafted with inorganic bovine bone

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar histologicamente a influência da radiação laser não-cirúrgica (830 nm) sobre o reparo ósseo de defeitos padronizados em fêmur de ratos Wistar albinus e submetidos a implante de osso bovino inorgânico Gen-ox. Foram estabelecidos três grupos de animais: grupo I (controle, n=06); grupo II (Gen-ox, n=09) e grupo III (Gen-ox + LLLT, n=09). Os animais foram irradiados a cada 48 horas, sendo a primeira irradiação realizada imediatamente após a cirurgia. Os animais foram irradiados transcutaneamente em quatro pontos em torno da ferida. Cada ponto recebeu uma dose de 4 J/cm2 e a dose total por sessão foi de 16 J/cm2. Os sacrifícios foram realizados 15, 21 e 30 dias após a cirurgia. Os espécimes foram removidos e fixados para procedimento laboratorial, sendo corados com HeE e Picrosirius e analisados em microscopia de luz. Os resultados mostraram evidência de um reparo ósseo mais avançado nos espécimes irradiados em relação aos não irradiados. O reparo nos espécimes irradiados foi caracterizado por uma maior neoformação óssea, bem como por uma maior proliferação de fibras colágenas no interior do defeito já a partir de 15 dias após a cirurgia, também considerando a capacidade osteocondutiva do Gen-ox. Conclui-se que a LLLT resultou num efeito de biomodulação positiva sobre o reparo do defeito ósseo submetido a implante de osso bovino inorgânico.

Bone graft substitutes: past, present, future.

Bone grafts are necessary to provide support, fill voids, and enhance biologic repair of skeletal defects. They are used by orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, craniofacial surgeons, and periodontists. Bone harvested from donor sites is the gold standard for this procedure. It is well documented that there are limitations and complications from the use of autograft, including the limited quantity and associated chronic donor site pain. Despite the increase in the number of procedures that require bone grafts, there has not been a single ideal bone graft substitute Scientists, surgeons, and medical companies, thus, have a tremendous responsibility to develop biologic alternatives that will enhance the functional capabilities of the bone graft substitute, and potentially reduce or eliminate the need for autograft. This article is an attempt to review the past and existing bone graft substitutes, and future directions of research. The historical data was extracted after thorough review of the literature. The data for the current concepts and future directions was compiled from the Internet, and from direct correspondence with medical companies. Since many products are undergoing clinical trials, and are yet not commercially available, their data cannot be found in literature. The main purpose of this article is to give the reader an idea about the existing market products and products likely to be available in near future.

Free non-vascularized fibular graft in treatment of bone defects

To determine the usefulness of free non-vascularized fibular graft in the treatment of nonunions and bone defects. Design: Prospective descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital/Military Hospital Rawalpindi from September 1997 to June 2000. Subjects and A total of twenty-one cases where free non-vascularized fibular graft was used were included in the study. The indications were varied and included nonunited femoral neck fractures, post-infective and post-traumatic bone defects and bone tumour/cyst resection defects. Overall union was achieved in 76.2% of cases [85.7% in upper limb and 71.4% in lower limb]. Stress fracture occurred in two [9.5%] cases in lower limb. Infection was the cause in all five [23.8%] cases with failure of union and graft resorption. Use of free non-vascularized bone graft in selected patients with suitable recipient bed is a simple and costeffective procedure still valid to bridge bone defects in our setup

Art of replacing craniofacial bone defects

In the history of medicine, many surgeons have been tried to reconstruct lost tissue and correct deformity, attempts to use implant materials have probably paralleled those involving autogenous tissue. Recently there has been an acceleration in the understanding of the requirements and potentials of implant materials caused by collaboration between material scientists, biomaterials engineers, clinicians, and clinical investigators. Alloplastic materials have become an essential part of reconstructing the function and contour of the craniofacial skeleton. Bone is a specialized form of connective tissue, which provides support, and protects vital and detion and summarizes their mechanical properties and clinical aspects.

Management of segmental bone defects by the Ilizarov bone transport

In this study, ten patients [nine males and one female] with segmental skeletal defects were managed with Ilizarov bone transport method, whereby an osseous defect is eliminated by elongating one fragment. Six of them were septic non-union treated by radical resection and internal bone transport. Preoperative shortening was present in four cases. On average, the regenerated new bone length measured 4.2 cm. The average time in fixator was 11.5 months. Internal fixation and bone graft were used to achieve union in five cases, the other five cases healed without additional operations

Emprego do enxerto ósseo liofilizado em lesöes ósseas / Use of freeze-dried bone graft in bone lesions

No período entre março e julho de 1995 foram estudados oito pacientes portadores de lesöes ósseas tumorais ou pseudotumorais, lesöes estas únicas, tratadas mediante curetagem e enxerto ósseo liofilizado. O tempo de seguimento médio foi de 12,4 meses (mínimo de 10, máximo de 19 meses). Todos os pacientes foram avaliados clínica e radiograficamente durante o tratamento. Os autores mostram que os resultados desse tratamento foram insatisfatórios e acompanhados de uma série de complicaçöes.