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The osteogenic potential of rib autografts can be preserved in culture
1University of Manchester, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hope Hospital, Salford, United Kingdom.
Study Design:
This was an experimental study to compare various methods of storing rib autograft between stages of spinal surgery.
Objective:
The authors' goal was to determine the optimum conditions for storing bone graft, while preserving its osteogenic potential.
Summary Of Background Data:
It never has been demonstrated that osteoblastic function can be preserved after bone graft is stored. Other researchers have shown preservation of cellular function, but not its nature.
Methods:
Excised rib was stored in one of several ways: in culture medium at -196 C, 4 C, or 37 C, or in saline at 4 C for 2 weeks and then cultured at 37 C. Any cells produced were characterized using standard techniques.
Results:
Bone stored at 37 C and -196 C retained its osteogenic potential. Bone stored at 4 C in saline did not. Bone stored at 4 C in culture medium was intermediate in its preservation of osteogenic capacity.
Conclusions:
Bone stored under suitable conditions retains osteogenic potential, and when reimplanted will add osteogenic cells to the fusion mass.