Prefabrication of vascularized bone graft using a combination of fibroblast growth factor-2 and vascular bundle implantation into a novel interconnected porous calcium hydroxyapatite ceramic.

The aim of this study was to create a prefabricated vascularized bone graft using a novel interconnected porous calcium hydroxyapatite ceramic (IP-CHA) by combining vascular bundle implantation and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 administration in a rabbit model. Twenty-four Japanese white rabbits were used. The saphenous artery and vein were passed through the hole of the IP-CHA. In an experimental group, 100 microg of FGF-2 was administered into the IP-CHA before implanting the vascular bundle. In the control group, the saline was administered into the IP-CHA before implanting the vascular bundle. Finally, the IP-CHA was placed subcutaneously in the medial thigh. Neovascularization from the vascular bundle was evaluated at 2 weeks after surgery, and osteogenesis was evaluated at 4 weeks. At 2 weeks, the length and density of newly formed vessels were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. Histological evaluation showed osteoid deposition in the pores of the IP-CHA at 4 weeks in the experimental group, whereas no evidence of osteoid deposition was noted in the control group. This study showed the potential of creating a vascularized bone graft of a predetermined size and shape using a combination of FGF-2 and vascular bundle implantation in the IP-CHA.