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Digital Joint Reconstruction with Osteotendinous Joint Allograft: Experimental Study in Rats
Martin Iglesias1, Ángel Uriel Cruz-Reyes1, Patricia Butrón1
1Plastic and Reconstructive Service, Reproductive Biology Department, and Experimental Surgery Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|May 17, 2017
Summary
Fresh osteotendinous joint allografts (OTJA) in rats showed immune rejection and bone resorption. While maintaining digital form, these grafts led to significant loss of flexion and extension mobility.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Transplantation immunology
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Osteotendinous joint allografts (OTJA) have not been previously studied for metacarpophalangeal joint reconstruction.
- This study investigates the viability of fresh, nonvascularized OTJA for metatarsophalangeal joint (MTJ) reconstruction in a rat model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of using fresh, nonvascularized osteotendinous joint allografts (OTJA) for metatarsophalangeal joint (MTJ) reconstruction in rats.
- To compare the results with autologous osteotendinous grafts.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 12 Lewis rats receiving fresh, nonvascularized OTJA for MTJ reconstruction and 6 control rats receiving autologous osteotendinous grafts.
- Postoperative evaluations included weight, pain, edema, wound complications, digit position, joint mobility, bone healing, and histological assessment for rejection over 30 days.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in weight, edema, pain, digit position, or radiological bone healing between the groups.
- The experimental group lost up to 30 degrees of flexion and extension mobility, compared to 10 degrees in the control group (P=0.009).
- Histological analysis revealed immune rejection in 75% of the OTJA group, versus none in the control group (P=0.009).
Conclusions:
- Fresh, nonvascularized osteotendinous joint allografts (OTJA) trigger an immune response and bone resorption, despite no direct graft exposure.
- Rats maintained digital form and alignment, but experienced a significant decrease in passive joint mobility (10-30 degrees).
