Comparison of the Usage of Autogenous Bone Graft, Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM), Beta-tricalcium Phosphate (β-TCP), and a Combination of DBM and β TCP for the Reconstruction of Bone Defects

Abstract

Objective: Bone defects are still an important problem the skeletal system reconstructive surgery. Although there are many bone substitutes to replace bone, there is no consensus on the ideal material. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the osteogenic capacities of different bone substitutes in comparison with those of autogenous bone grafts. Material and Methods: Thirty New Zealand rabbits, which were divided into five groups, were used. Circular full thickness bone defects with a diameter of 1 cm diameter were created on both parietal bones. For the closure of defects, no material used in group 1, an autogenous bone graft was used in group 2, human-derived demineralized bone matrix (DBM) was used in group 3, beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) was used in group 4, and a combination of DBM and β-TCP was used in group 5. The osteogenic capacities of the materials were evaluated by histopathology, scintigraphy, tomography, and biochemistry. Results: Defects with a dimeter of 1 cm could not spontaneously heal. Although autogenous bone grafts could provide a stronger bone structure, DBM and β-TCP were found to have new bone formation capacity, similar to that of the autogenous bone graft, both alone and in combination. The differences in between the first group and the others were statistically significant, but the differences in among the other groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: DBM and β-TCP are appropriate alternatives to autogenous bone grafts, particularly for defects that do not necessitate structural support during the early period.

Keywords

• Bone defect
• bone matrix