Heterologous demineralised bone matrix is efficient for the repair of critical-sized rat calvarial defects

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy of heterologous demineralised bone matrix (DBM) for the replacement of bone defects using a critical-sized rat calvarial defect model. Materials and Methods. For the experiments, we used 48 Sprague-Dawley rats (4.5 to 6 months of age). Critical-sized (8 mm diameter) calvarial defect was filled by the bone autograft, heterologous DBM, or comparator product (Geistlich BioOss®) or remained unfilled (negative control). Upon 4 or 12 weeks, rats were euthanised with the subsequent investigation of the defect and adjacent tissues by means of hematoxylin and eosin staining (mineralized tissue area to the defect area ratio) and microcomputed tomography (volume, thickness, and mineral density of the repaired tissue). Results. In our experimental setting, bone autograft was the most efficient in bone repair. Heterologous DBM and comparator product were equally efficient in filling the defect and did not show any statistically significant differences regarding any of the parameters. Microcomputed tomography and routine histological examination demonstrated concordant results. Conclusion. Heterologous DBM is efficient for the repair of critical-sized rat calvarial defects.