Pulverized bone matrix as an injectable bone graft in rabbit radius defects

A segment of the rabbit radius diaphysis was excised, demineralized, and pulverized. The demineralized matrix particles were mixed with autologous bone marrow from the femoral canal and injected into the defect from which it had been excised. On the contralateral side, the demineralized bone was reimplanted without pulverization, but with bone marrow. The bone yield was measured by radiographic planimetry and Tc99m MDP scintimetry. The forearms of the rabbits were sectioned into transverse segments, including the middle of the radius defect. The ash weights and the Ca45 content of these segments were measured. After two weeks, the ash weight was greater on the pulverized than on the unpulverized side; but by four weeks, measurements showed no difference. In general, the injectable bone matrix preparation did not interfere with bone repair. In comparing the Tc99m and Ca45 methods, the latter provided high-precision data with respect to the biologic variation.