Trabecular structure and composition analysis of human autogenous bone donor sites using micro-computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Autogenous bone grafts are crucial for maxillofacial surgery and dental implants.
• Bone quality can vary significantly between donor sites, impacting graft success.
• Evaluating bone microstructure in elderly populations is essential due to age-related bone changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the bone microstructure, bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), and bone mineral density (BMD) of common donor sites for autogenous bone grafts.
• To assess the suitability of different donor sites in elderly individuals for reconstructive procedures.

Main Methods:

• X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to analyze 66 bone samples from four donor sites (mandibular symphysis, mandibular ramus, ilium, tibia).
• Samples were obtained from 18 Japanese cadavers (mean age 66 years).
• Trabecular structure, BV/TV, and BMD were quantitatively assessed.

Main Results:

• Mandibular symphysis exhibited the highest BV/TV and BMD among the four sites.
• Significant differences in BV/TV and BMD were observed between the mandibular symphysis and other sites (tibia, ilium).
• Mandibular trabecular bone was predominantly plate-type, while tibial bone was mixed plate- and rod-type, and iliac bone was mostly rod-type.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular symphysis and ramus demonstrate superior bone quality and quantity, with no observed regressive changes in elderly individuals.
• Mandibular bone is recommended as the most suitable autogenous graft material due to its favorable microstructure and density.
• These findings support the use of mandibular bone for enhanced outcomes in maxillofacial and dental implant reconstructions.