Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of alpha-tocopherol on distraction osteogenesis.Materials and methodsRight tibias of 30 New Zealand white rabbits were distracted at a rate of 0.5 mm/day for 20 days with a circular external fixator. Experimental group rabbits (n = 15) were administered i.m. 20 mg/kg/day alpha-tocopherol for 30 days. Radiographic examinations were performed at the 20th, 30th and 40th days. Bone scintigraphy was performed at the 5th and 20th days. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured at the 5th and 30th days. All animals were sacrificed and the right tibias of all animals were harvested for histopathologic examination at the 40th day.ResultsRadiologic scores were statistically similar at the 20th day. However, the experimental group demonstrated higher radiologic scores at the 30th and 40th days. A scintigraphic baseline study at the 5th day of the study showed statistically similar osteoblastic activities in both groups. However, at the 20th day, osteoblastic activity was significantly higher in the experimental group. Serum TAC values were also significantly higher in the experimental group at the 30th day. At necropsy, histopathologic examination revealed statistically significantly higher scores in the experimental group.ConclusionThe results of this study show that alpha-tocopherol has beneficial effects on new bone formation during distraction osteogenesis.
Highlights
The technique of ‘‘distraction osteogenesis’’ is frequently used in the treatment of bony loss, pseudoarthrosis, chronic osteomyelitis, limb length discrepancy, biologic reconstruction after wide tumoral resection, and deformity [1,2,3,4,5,6]
The results of this study show that alphatocopherol has beneficial effects on new bone formation during distraction osteogenesis
Distraction osteogenesis is recognized as being ‘‘intramembranous ossification,’’ which can be assumed to be a special form of fracture healing [12]
Summary
The technique of ‘‘distraction osteogenesis’’ is frequently used in the treatment of bony loss, pseudoarthrosis, chronic osteomyelitis, limb length discrepancy, biologic reconstruction after wide tumoral resection, and deformity [1,2,3,4,5,6]. One major problem with this method, is the prolonged time required for the newly formed bone in the distraction gap to consolidate and become strong enough for weight-bearing [7]. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), macrophages and mast cells migrate into the fracture site, and osteoclasts begin to remove necrotic bone [14, 15]. Activation of PMNLs produces oxygen free radicals, which cause lipid peroxidation and are known to impair fracture healing [16, 17]. Antioxidant administration has been shown to be beneficial in suppressing the damaging effects of oxygen free radicals in cells during fracture healing [18,19,20,21]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
