In vivo assessment of new resorbable PEG-PPG-PEG copolymer/starch bone wax in bone healing and tissue reaction of bone defect in rabbit model.

In this study, in vivo performance of novel resorbable bone wax based on a miscible blend between PEG-PPG-PEG copolymer mixtures and pregelatinized starch at 0 and 25 percent by weight including hemostasis, tissue reaction and bone healing in a non-critical size tibia defect model were assessed and compared with commercial non-resorbable bone wax. Systemic reaction was evaluated by blood chemistry while local reaction, bone quantity and quality were evaluated by microcomputed tomography (microCT) and histology analyses. It was observed that the resorbable bone waxes did not show any adverse systemic reaction and resorbed from the defects within approximately 2 days after application. They were as effective as the commercial bone wax in hemostasis, but provided better adherence to the bone surface. The incorporation of pre-gelatinized starch in the formulation could further help in improved molding texture and decreased glove adherence. MicroCT and histology analyses showed that the resorbable bone waxes did not inhibit the osteogenesis whereas commercial bone wax impaired bone healing and displayed inflammation and foreign body reactions.