The modification experimental study in vivo of nano-bone gelatin

Abstract

Objective: To study the feasibility of therapy using nano-bone gelatin to comminuted fracture by animal experiment. Methods: The animal models of transverse fracture were made on bilateral ulnas of 45 New Zealand white rabbits, which were divided into experimental group (repair with nano-bone gelatin), control group (repair with traditional medical glue), and blank group (unrepaired) randomly. The reconstruction effect in each group was evaluated using X-ray examination, MicroCT scanning, histopathology observation, and biomechanical test postoperation regularly. Result: On 12th week, the fractures in experimental and blank group get the marrow cavity completely unobstructed and good bone union; however, in control group, the fracture line slightly blurred with the marrow cavity not fully unobstructed; 6 weeks later, observation of bony calluses through MircoCT: experimental group, 68.5 ± 2.71%; blank group, 69.19 ± 2.3%; and control group, 49.35 ± 3.56%, there were no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The control group obviously showed worse bone union than the former two (P < 0.05). The histopathological examination shows that the bony calluses of experimental group are similar to those of the blank group; however, gelatin degraded slowly in control group with delayed union; on the 12th week, biomechanical test shows that the blank and experiment groups had basically same average bending strength values which had no significant difference (P > 0.05) and obviously were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The nano-bone gelatin won’t lead to delayed union of fractures and may be beneficial to it, and so may be an ideal gelatin for fixing small fractures.