The vascularized bone allotransplantation - in a rabbit model, preliminary report

Abstract

Introduction. The use of bone transplant has been a successful step in the treatment of a large number of diseases of the osteoarticular system. But a massive bone defect remains a dilemma for contemporary reconstructive surgery. Contemporary methods that are used, for the reconstruction of the bone structure, have a high level of morbidity and complication. Specialized literature indicates the absence of an optimal solution in massive bone defects healing. Maintaining the osteoplastic properties of the vascularized autograft; combining them with the orthotopic characteristics of an allogenic bone would be a successful alternative for the reconstructive surgery of the skeletal system. Aim of the study. To determinate the optimal bone segment for allotransplantation and his sources of vascularization, on the femur in the rabbit model for tissue engineering. Materials and methods. The study of the vascularization of the femoral bone was performed on laboratory animals (rabbits). After euthanasia and the femoral bone segment harvesting with a soft tissue without destroying the vascularization. In the abdominal aorta was injected contrast material, with the subsequent preparation of the arterial vessels. Followed by anatomical study, radiography, histology, microangiography of this vascularized bone segment. Thus we determined the vascularised bone segment which could be used as one graft for further conservation. Results. The optimal segment for vascularized allografting (the rabbit model) was the upper third of the femur with the lateral circumflex femoral artery. Conclusions. The success after bone vascularized allografting is ensured by keeping the circulation on arteria nutricia and microcirculation of blood. The vascular living allogeneic bone without immunosuppression would be a perfect alternative in the treatment of the massive bone defects.