[Multiple perforation in cryogenically preserved bone allografts. Comparative histological and microradiographic study of perforated and non-perforated allograft in sheep].

Incorporation of massive cortical bone allografts in the human is slow and remains incomplete. Late biopsies of implanted allografts or histological studies of explanted allografts always show the partial substitution of necrotic bone by new bone from the host. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the value of drilling the massive deep-frozen cortical allografts in order to induce osteogenesis. Thirteen sheep were operated on and a standard segment of the proximal ulna was removed and the gap filled either by an unperforated allograft or by a perforated one. Based on histological and microradiographic examination, a complete substitution of the perforated allografts was observed but in this model no statistically significant difference was observed between perforated and unperforated allografts. Further study is needed to assess the effect of the perforations.