[Experimental study of poly-DL-lactic acid membrane guided bone regeneration in rabbit radii bone defects]

This study was conducted to observe bone regeneration guided by poly-DL-latic acid (PDLLA) membrane in rabbit radii bone defects and to explore the mechanism of the membrane guided bone regeneration (MGBR). The animal models of bony and periosteous defects were established in both radii of 40 adult New Zealand white rabbits. The left defect as the experimental side was bridged with PDLLA membrane tube, the right side as the controlled side was untreated. The specimens were collected at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. General observation, X-ray, histological observation and biomechanical examination were applied to the repair of the models of MGBR in both groups. Two weeks after operation, with much new bony callus formed outside the tube at both fragments, the membrane tube covered with connective tissues was filled with haematoma and fibrous callus. Twelve weeks after operation, the PDLLA membrane became white and its tube shape was still maintained. However, new bone callus outside the tube almost completely disappeared, and inside the tubes all radii bone defects were successfully repaired with bony union. On the controlled sides, bone defects were filled with connective tissues 2 weeks postoperatively. And 12 weeks after operation, the typical nonunion that had been formed after bone marrow canals were sealed with cortical bone. On the experimental side, the strength of the newly formed bone at the 12th week was higher than that at the 8th week (P<0.05), whereas the biomechanical examination could not be done on the controlled side. Therefore, these findings suggested that the bone regeneration could be successfully guided by PDLLA membrane, and this MGBR technique might be generally used in the treatment of bone defects and nonunion.