PURPOSE: One of the problems associated with callus distraction is a long time period needed for consolidation of the newly formed bone. The goal of this study was to determine whether percutaneous injections of rhBMP 2 in αBSM would enhance bone consolidation. METHODS: A unilateral tibial osteotomy combined with external stabilization was performed in 20 adult sheep. After a latency of four days, distraction was conducted for 20 days. Sheep were divided into three groups: group 1 received rhBMP-2/αBSM injections at day 23 and 30, group 2 buffer/αBSM injections at day 23 and 30 and group 3 did not receive any injection. The radiographs and in-vivo torsional stiffness measurements were obtained weekly during the following 50 days. Post-mortem bone densitometry (DXA) and mechanical testing were performed. RESULTS: In-vivo stiffness assessments, DXA values and the maximum torsional moment of the sheep tibia treated with two rhBMP-2 injections were not significantly greater than those of both control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Presented application of rhBMP-2 in αBSM failed to enhance bone consolidation in distraction osteogenesis.
PURPOSE: One of the problems associated with callus distraction is a long time period needed for consolidation of the newly formed bone. The goal of this study was to determine whether percutaneous injections of rhBMP 2 in αBSM would enhance bone consolidation. METHODS: A unilateral tibial osteotomy combined with external stabilization was performed in 20 adult sheep. After a latency of four days, distraction was conducted for 20 days. Sheep were divided into three groups: group 1 received rhBMP-2/αBSM injections at day 23 and 30, group 2 buffer/αBSM injections at day 23 and 30 and group 3 did not receive any injection. The radiographs and in-vivo torsional stiffness measurements were obtained weekly during the following 50 days. Post-mortem bone densitometry (DXA) and mechanical testing were performed. RESULTS: In-vivo stiffness assessments, DXA values and the maximum torsional moment of the sheep tibia treated with two rhBMP-2 injections were not significantly greater than those of both control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Presented application of rhBMP-2 in αBSM failed to enhance bone consolidation in distraction osteogenesis.