Scintigraphic and Histopathologic Evaluation of Combined Bone Grafts

Abstract

We aimed to assess various bone grafts on bone formation using bone scintigraphy and histology, especially the first study that evaluated the demineralized bone matrix (DBM) + tricalcium phosphate (TCP) + hyaluronic acid (HA) combination. A total of 44 pieces in groups of autogenous bone graft, TCP, DBM, DBM + TCP combination, and DBM + TCP + HA combination were applied to parietal bones of 24 New Zealand rabbits. Bone scintigraphies of the rabbits were performed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. The uptake ratios were compared for the different types of grafts. In addition, in 2, 6, and 12 weeks, the graft areas were taken from the sacrificed rabbits and examined histologically. In the 2-week evaluation, DBM + TCP combination and DBM + TCP + HA combination had more osteoblastic activity accumulation than the TCP and DBM groups. These findings supported that the DBM + TCP combination group showed new bone formation earlier in the histopathological evaluation. The DBM + TCP + HA combination had more uptake than the TCP and DBM groups on bone scintigraphy at 2 weeks, and this uptake ratio decreased in the following weeks. It was thought that the increased uptake in DBM + TCP + HA combination at 2 weeks was due to severe inflammation seen in the histopathological evaluation. The DBM + TCP + HA combination should not be used for graft repair, although it was thought to be a good combination in the early weeks.