Effect of radiation sterilization on the osteoinductive properties and the rate of remodeling of bone implants preserved by lyophilization and deep-freezing.

The effect of various doses of ionizing radiation on the osteoinductive properties of decalcified bone matrices implanted heterotopically and on the rate of remodeling of nondecalcified bone grafts implanted orthotopically in allogeneic systems was studied. Decalcified bone matrices and nondecalcified bone grafts were preserved by lyophilization or by deep-freezing and were subsequently irradiated with appropriate doses at room temperature or at -72 degrees. Lyophilized matrices irradiated at room temperature with 35 and 50 kGy, respectively, were completely resorbed five weeks after heterotopic implantation into the muscles and did not induce osteogenesis, whereas the resorption of deep-frozen ones irradiated with the same doses at -72 degrees was slower and new bone formation was induced. The preservation of the osteoinductive capacity of irradiated, deep-frozen matrices may depend on two factors: reduction of radiation damage on the inducing agents and collagen irradiated in the presence of water, which may diminish the rate of matrix resorption. The rate of remodeling of undecalcified deep-frozen bone implants irradiated at -72 degrees and grafted orthotopically was higher than that of lyophilized ones irradiated at room temperature. It is possible that the temperature during irradiation plays a critical role in protection against radiation damage.