Abstract
In recent years, artificial bones with high biocompatibility have been developed for hard tissue reconstruction. However, current bone replacement methods are inadequate for large defects, causing infection, exposure, and damage. We have developed a new honeycomb β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) material, which achieved good bone regeneration after implantation in a rat complete zygomatic bone defect. In this study, we further investigated the ability of honeycomb β- TCP for remodeling after bone regeneration as a long-term result. Bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-2-free honeycomb β-TCP (TCP group) and honeycomb β-TCP with BMP-2 (BMP group) were implanted in the zygomatic bone of rats. Micro-computed tomography was performed to track the zygomatic bone morphology, and specimens were histologically examined for osteogenesis and remodeling. In the TCP group, no bone formation was observed at 1 month, but it was observed at 6 months. Bone formation was observed in the BMP group at 1 month, and β-TCP absorption reproducing the zygomatic bone morphology was observed at 6 months. This honeycomb β-TCP with BMP-2 may provide appropriate remodeling that reproduces good bone formation in the early stage and good morphology in the long term, offering an alternative bone reconstruction material to vascularized bone grafts.
Highlights
Large bone defects caused by malignant tumor resection, trauma, and infection are currently reconstructed using autologous bone or biomaterials
In the group implanted with β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) alone, the honeycomb β-TCP was filled with 12.5 μL of Matrigel or collagen gel without Bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-2
In the TCP group, fusion with the zygomatic bone was observed at the anterior site 6 months after implantation, but there was no union at the posterior site
Summary
Large bone defects caused by malignant tumor resection, trauma, and infection are currently reconstructed using autologous bone or biomaterials. Good bone union can be achieved using a vascularized autologous bone graft [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. Autologous bone grafts involve major invasion of the donor site. Implantation of a vascularized bone graft requires a long operation time and may cause serious complications, including total necrosis of the transplanted tissue due to thrombus of the feeding blood vessel [7,8]. The use of synthetic biomaterials as bone grafts does not require a donor site and enables performing shorter and less invasive surgeries. Because biomaterials are foreign bodies, the main limitations of their use include increased risks of long-term infection, exposure, and damage.
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