Boiled and unboiled detached autogenous bone fragments--an experimental study.
Boiled and unboiled standardized detached bone fragments were compared in a canine model. The fragments were either left detached or fixed with a lag-screw. Additionally, various replacements were combined with transverse osteotomy followed by reduction and fixation with a six-hole neutralization plate based on the AO-principle. Follow-up was at 0-6 weeks, 6-12 weeks and 12-24 weeks. Examination of the specimens comprised radiology, histology, microradiography, fluorescence-microscopy and microangiography. Qualitative assessment indicated that boiled bone showed some delay in resorption and new bone formation when compared with unboiled bone after six weeks, but this difference was no longer discernible after 12 weeks. Semi-quantitative assessment revealed hardly any difference after six weeks. During the first few weeks, however, boiled fragments showed a clear delay of 10-14 days in resorption and new bone formation when compared with unboiled fragments. The clinical relevance is that detached bone fragments contaminated with street-refuse can be sterilized by boiling without harmful effects. Replacement of the boiled bone fragments shows a somewhat delayed, but otherwise normal resorption and new bone formation.
D000818:Animals; D001861:Bone Regeneration; D001862:Bone Resorption; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005264:Femoral Fractures; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy; D013242:Sterilization