The results of demineralization of bone grafts

Abstract

The aim: to develop a fast method of demineralization of cancelous and cortical bone grafts effectively in various sizes for use in restoring bone defects and implement this method in practice of Human Tissue Bank. Materials and methods: for the study was used bovine bones (tibia and femur). The bones were cut with saws, excluding their heating, bones were deperiostated, washed under running water, dried and degreased. We obtained different shapes of the bones by cutting: circular shape, semilunar shape (used for control), plate and cubic shaped bones. Grafts were distributed into five groups according to the methods of demineralization, dimensions and type of bone. We got nine transplants - bone rings with Ø 4 cm and thickness 5 mm ± 2 mm, 3 specimens for demineralization in acid and 3 by electrolysis. Three grafts were cut by half to control. Each graft weighed 0.75g ± 5g. One plate-shaped (70x20 mm) and one cubic-shaped (1,5 cm2) grafts were demineralized by electrolysis from the start. The acid solution was changed over every 24 hours. The demineralization was determined by X-ray, by weighing-machine and by mechanical method. Results: complete demineralization of the circular-shaped grafts through the electrolytic solution was obtained on the 4th day, and in the samples demineralized just only by acid solution the complete demineralization was obtained on the 7th day. The superficial demineralization of the plate-shaped cortical graft was obtained on the 3rd day, but final demineralization on the 7th day. Partial demineralization of cancelous cubic-shaped graft was obtained on the 2nd day, but total demineralization was obtained on the 5th day. Conclusions: electrolysis is a method for accelerating the demineralization. The speed of demineralization depends on the dimensions, and type of bones. Cancelous bone demineralize faster than cortical one.