Comparison of two beta-tricalcium phosphate composite grafts used for reconstruction of mandibular critical size bone defects.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to compare osseointegration of blood perfused beta-tricalcium phosphate cylinders (beta-TCPB) with similar composites that were additionally loaded with cancellous bone and bone marrow (beta-TCPB/BM/CB) for mandibular reconstruction.


METHODS
Twelve German Black-Headed sheep with an average weight of 72.5 +/- 10 kg underwent segmental resection of the right hemi-mandible. The animals that were assigned to group A (n = 6) were reconstructed using beta-TCPB while the sheep that were assigned to group B received beta-TCPB/BM/CB grafts. Tissue quality was histologically assessed and bone-, scaffold-, cartilage- and fibrous-tissue area were estimated using semiautomated histomorphometrical software.


RESULTS
Composite grafts that were loaded with bone marrow and cancellous bone (beta-TCPB/BM/CB) exhibited significant (p<0.01) higher amounts of bone formation than beta-TCPB. The patients that were assigned to group B achieved defect union and a high grade of bone maturation. Residual ceramic remnants were rare and disconnected. Bone maturity within group A was inferior and none of the specimens showed defect union. The defect centre was still occupied by a ceramic core.


CONCLUSIONS
Bone and bone marrow augmented beta-tricalcium phosphate composites may qualify as a promising alternative to autograft bone for mandibular reconstruction in human and veterinary medicine.
Nolff
M C
MC
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany. mirja.nolff@tiho-hannover.de
Gellrich
N-C
NC
Hauschild
G
G
Fehr
M
M
Bormann
K-H
KH
Rohn
K
K
Spalthoff
S
S
Rücker
M
M
Kokemüller
H
H
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D023421:Models, Animal; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D010012:Osteogenesis; D011897:Random Allocation; D012756:Sheep; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; C485817:beta-tricalcium phosphate