[Effects of different sterilizing techniques on osseous regeneration of grafted lyophilized cartilage]

The suitability of variably sterilized lyocartilage grafts as potential bone substitutes was investigated in animal experiments with special attention to configurational stability. In 3 Beagles corticocancellous implant beds were prepared by box-type ostectomies and lyophilized costal cartilage blocks sterilized with X-rays,ethylene oxide gas and beta-propriolactone solution were placed into them. Implants sterilized with X-rays and beta-propriolactone appeared to be unsuited for recontouring facial bone defects, since they showed complete loss of configuration after a follow-up time of 125 and 230 days, respectively. By contrast, cartilage implants sterilized with ethylene oxide gas retained their configuration after no less than 328 days. In light of these results, methods for sterilizing other biomaterials should be re-considered.