Non irradiated lyophilised human bone grafts: An experimental study and potential clinical application in reconstructive surgery [Innesti d'osso umano liofilizzato non irradiato: studio sperimentale e possibilità di impiego clinico in chirurgia ricostruttiva]

Reconstruction of bone lesions in the craniomaxillofacial region often presents problems which are hard to solve because of difficulties in obtaining autologous replacement material of the right quality and quantity. Such tissue losses have different causes and can occur at various times in life. The most beneficial treatment would be by autologous bone transplant, were it not for the complex system of atrophy-related reabsorption to which grafted bone tissue is subject, irrespective of origin. In any event, an effective return to skeletal integrity, with the aid of bone grafts, is paramount to any functionally and cosmetically acceptable reconstruction. The aim of this study was to test integration of three types of non irradiated lyophilised human bone (therefore containing morphogenetic proteins) implanted in the rabbit head. Histological tests showed osteoconductive and osteoinductive activity by the grafts. Evidence of osteogenic cell activity suggests that biochemical interactions are probably established between transplanted bone and host bone, resulting in the formation of new bone tissue. Since human bone is tolerated and reintegrated in the normal bone remodelling cycle by a different species, it is hoped that better clinical results will be afforded when applied to the same species. This is in fact the case in homologous transplants in patients admitted to bone resection operations.