Equine demineralized bone matrix: relationship between particle size and osteoinduction

The osteoinductive capability of four particle sizes of equine demineralized bone matrix (DBM) was evaluated. Matrix particles were implanted in brachiocephalicus muscle pouches in six horses and were harvested 8 weeks later. Matrix particle sizes of 2.0 mm3 to 4.0 mm3 and 5.0 mm3 to 10.0 mm3 were associated with osteoinductive activity and minimal signs of local inflammation. The two smaller particle sizes (0.425 mm3 to 0.850 mm3 and 0.850 mm3 to 2.0 mm3) were minimally osteoinductive and were associated with a greater local inflammatory response. Microscopic events associated with new bone production in the two largest particle sizes included the presence of new osteoprogenitor cells in matrix vascular spaces, multinucleated osteoclast-like giant cells, and the formation of cartilage, osteoid, and new mineralized bone. The two smaller particle sizes were associated with increased fibrous tissue ingrowth and the presence of increased numbers of inflammatory cells. The temporal events of osteoinduction in response to heterotopic implantation of allogeneic DBM were delayed in horses when compared with other species. Although the demineralization technique used was effective in previous investigations on other species, incomplete demineralization occurred in the two smaller particle sizes that was not detected until after DBM implant harvest. The demineralization process may need to be altered for equine bone and precise monitoring for complete demineralization before implantation is required. Equine DBM is osteoinductive in muscle pouch sites in horses but matrix particle size does affect osteoinductive capability.