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Updated: May 20, 2026
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Sequential In vivo Imaging of Osteogenic Stem/Progenitor Cells During Fracture Repair
Published on: May 23, 2014
Osteoprogenitor cell therapy in an equine fracture model
Laurie A McDuffee1, LeeAnn Pack, Marcos Lores
1Department of Health Management, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada. lmcduffee@upei.ca
Veterinary Surgery : VS
|July 19, 2012
Summary
Adding osteoprogenitor cells to fibrin glue did not improve bone healing in equine metacarpal defects. This study found no significant difference between fibrin glue with cells and fibrin glue alone for bone repair.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic research
- Regenerative medicine
- Equine bone healing
Background:
- Bone defects present a significant challenge in equine orthopedic surgery.
- Fibrin glue is a common biomaterial used in bone defect repair.
- Osteoprogenitor cells hold potential for enhancing bone regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of periosteal-derived osteoprogenitor cells in fibrin glue for enhancing bone healing.
- To compare outcomes of fibrin glue with osteoprogenitors versus fibrin glue alone in a surgically induced equine metacarpal defect model.
Main Methods:
- Surgically created segmental ostectomies of the fourth metacarpal bone (MC4) in adult horses (n=10).
- Bilateral defects treated with either fibrin glue and osteoprogenitor cells (treatment) or fibrin glue alone (control).
- Weekly radiography for 12 weeks, followed by radiographic and histologic evaluation post-euthanasia.
Main Results:
- Radiographic analysis (grayscale and scoring) showed no significant difference in bone healing between treatment and control limbs.
- Histologic evaluation confirmed no significant difference in bone formation between the groups.
- The addition of osteoprogenitor cells did not accelerate bone healing.
Conclusions:
- Periosteal-derived osteoprogenitor cells in fibrin glue do not significantly enhance bone healing in surgically created MC4 ostectomies in horses.
- Fibrin glue alone appears to be as effective as fibrin glue with osteoprogenitors for bone repair in this model.
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