Repair of large segmental bone defects in rabbits using BMP and FGF composite xenogeneic bone

The objective of this study was to determine the ability of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) to repair large segmental radial bone defects in rabbits. We treated calf cancellous bones with 3 mg/L BMP (Group A), 5 μg/L FGF (Group B), or 3 mg/L BMP plus 5 μg/L FGF (Group C). A bone damage model was established using healthy radii from rabbits. The complexes were implanted in the areas of the bone defects in the radii. After successful transplantation, the rabbits underwent radiographic imaging, and bone graft specimens were detected by histopathology methods. Biomechanical indexes were also assessed in order to observe the healing status of the bone defects. Our results indicated that the repair of bone defects was significantly better in Group C compared to the other 2 groups. Therefore, we concluded that combining BMP and FGF significantly promoted bone defect repair and achieved effects that were superior to the use of BMP alone.