effect of bone marrow graft on bone healing: a radiological and biomechanical study

ABSTRACT

There are multiple methods for acceleration of bone healing. Bone marrow has been shown to contain osteoprogenitor cells. To determine the effect of percutaneous bone marrow injection on bone healing. 15 mature, 2-kg-weighing white New Zealand rabbits from both sexes were randomized into 3 groups Group I Only osteotomy of right radius was performed and a 5 mm bony defect was made. Group II Same as group I, with the defect filled by bonegraft, taken from the iliac crest. Group III Same as group I plus percutaneous bone marrow injection 5 days after the operation. 45 days post-operation, the rabbits were sacrificed. The radii of both forelimbs were isolated and tested by tensile testing machine. There was a significant difference between groups I and III [p<0.001] for toleration of maximum load and bending stiffness. No significant difference was observed between groups II and III for these parameters. Bone marrow injection has an effect on bone healing comparable to bone grafting. This technique is non-invasive and simple without any significant complication