[Experimental studies on reconstituted xenograft and its clinical application]

The authors developed a reconstituted bone xenograft (RBX) composed of bovine BMP and the homologous cancellous bone. 36 New Zealand rabbits were used with 15mm defects created in both radii. In group A, 80mg of RBX was implanted into the defect on the left side while the cancellous bone alone was implanted on the right: in group B, the defects in the left and right radius were implanted with RBX plus autologous red marrow and the bioactive ceramic granules, respectively. The healing of the defects was evaluated radiologically, histologically, as well as by tetracycline double-labelling and immunofluorescent techniques within 16 weeks following the surgery. The results suggest that RBX behaves well as a grafting material in filling up and promoting the repair of the defect. Of 38 patients with non-unions and bone defects treated by RBX implantation, 30 were followed up for over 6 months, and all but one had satisfactory bone healing. The authors believe that RBX possesses a strong osteoinductive capacity without evoking immune rejection. Taking into account its unlimited sources, ready availability and simplicity in processing and storage, RBX is expected to have a broad prospect for clinical use.