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Updated: Nov 22, 2025
Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials
Published on: August 13, 2019
Peptide Enhanced Bone Graft Substitute Presents Improved Short-Term Increase in Bone Volume and Construct Stiffness
Arjan C Y Loenen1,2, Jerome Connor3, Scott Johnson3
1Laboratory for Experimental Orthopaedics, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, CAPHRI, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Study Design:
Preclinical ovine model.
Objective:
To assess the in vivo efficacy and safety of the P-15 L bone graft substitute and compare its performance to autologous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) for lumbar interbody fusion indications.
Methods:
Thirty skeletally mature sheep underwent lumbar interbody fusion surgery. Half of the sheep received autologous ICBG and the other half the peptide enhanced bone graft substitute (P-15 L). Following termination at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, the operated segments were analyzed using micro computed tomography (µCT), histology, and destructive mechanical testing. Additional systemic health monitoring was performed for the P-15 L group.
Results:
One month after surgery, there was only minor evidence of bone remodeling and residual graft material could be clearly observed within the cage. There was active bone remodeling between 1 and 3 months after surgery. At 3 months after surgery significantly denser and stiffer bone was found in the P-15 L group, whereas at 6 months, P-15 L and ICBG gave similar fusion results. The P-15 L bone graft substitute did not have any adverse effects on systemic health.
Conclusions:
The drug device combination P-15 L was demonstrated to be effective and save for lumbar interbody fusion as evidenced by this ovine model. Compared to autologous ICBG, P-15 L seems to expedite bone formation and remodeling but in the longer-term fusion results were similar.
