Efficacy of perichondrium and a trabecular demineralized bone matrix for generating cartilage

A pedicled auricular perichondrial flap wrapped around trabecular demineralized bovine bone matrix can generate an autologous cartilage graft. In earlier experimental studies, it was demonstrated that this graft could be used for nasal and cricoid reconstruction. It was assumed that the vascularization of the perichondrial flap was obligatory, but it was never proven that the flap should be pedicled. Moreover, for clinical use, the dimensions of the auricle would set restrictions to the size of the graft generated. Therefore, the possibility to generate cartilage with a composite graft of a free perichondrial flap wrapped around demineralized bovine bone matrix, by using young New Zealand White rabbits, was studied. This composite graft was implanted at poorly (subcutaneously in the abdominal wall; n = 12), fairly (subcutaneously in the pinna; n = 12), and well-vascularized sites (quadriceps muscle; n = 12). As a control, trabecular demineralized bovine bone matrix was implanted without perichondrial cover. Half of these grafts (n = 6) were harvested after 3 weeks, and the remaining grafts (n = 6) after 6 weeks of implantation. In histologic sections of these grafts, the incidence of cartilage formation was scored. Furthermore, the amount of newly formed cartilage was calculated by computerized histomorphometry. Trabecular demineralized bovine bone matrix without perichondrial cover demonstrated early resorption; no cartilage or bone was formed. In demineralized bovine bone matrix wrapped in perichondrium, early cartilage formed after 3 weeks at well- and fairly vascularized sites. No cartilage could be detected in grafts placed at a poorly vascularized site after 3 weeks; minimal cartilage formed after 6 weeks. In summary, the highest incidence of cartilage formed when trabecular demineralized bovine bone matrix was wrapped either in a pedicled auricular perichondrial flap or in a free perichondrial flap, which was placed at a well-vascularized site. Second, a significantly higher percentage of the total area of the graft was cartilaginized at well-vascularized sites after 3 weeks. The newly generated cartilage contained collagen type II and proteoglycans with hyaluronic acid binding regions, whereas collagen type I was absent, indicating the presence of hyaline cartilage. This study demonstrates that new cartilage suitable for a graft can be generated by free perichondrial flaps, provided that the site of implantation is well vascularized. Consequently, the size of such a graft is no longer limited to the dimensions of the auricle.     

Tumours aneurysms

Ultrastructural and cytochemical studies on the remodelling of the rat tracheal cartilage have been carried out. The thickness of the tracheal cartilage was constant, during the observation periods (1 to 54 days after birth). The external perichondrium of the tracheal cartilage consisted of active fibroblasts and intercellular fibrils. The inner part of this perichondrium was a chondrogenic layer, where appositional growth was taking place. On the other hand, the internal perichondrium contained fibroblast-like cells, which were nearly twice as large as the external perichondrial fibroblasts in size and were arranged in three or four layers. The cells had well developed organella and large vacuoles which contained numerous fragments of fibrils and/or glycosaminoglycan. Many cytoplasmic processes protruded to the cartilage matrix, where the intercellular fibrils were particularly irregular in arrangement. Some vacuoles included collagen fibrils. Based on an intense acid phosphatase activity in these vacuoles and other findings, the fibrils were thought to be phagocytosed collagen of the cartilage matrix. An extensive alkaline phosphatase activity was demonstrated on the plasma membrane of fibroblasts and chondroblasts in the external perichondrium. The present investigation revealed distinct functional difference between the external and internal perichondrium of the tracheal cartilage. It is resorbed at the internal perichondrium, while it appositionally grows at the external perichondrium. The fibroblast-like cells of the internal perichondrium play an essential role in resorption of the matrix in cartilage remodelling.     

Redefinition of the proximal perichondrium and perichondrial gap in hip ultrasound imaging

As a result of the improvement in the resolution of diagnostic sonography equipment it is possible to depict sonographic echoes of structures in the area of the preformed cartilage acetabular roof, especially in the region of the proximal perichondrium, perichondrial gap and the joint capsule that up to now have not been anatomically identified. Therefore, the question arises as to which anatomical structures these newly observed sonographic echoes can be classed with. Hip-joint NMR images of corpses were made and compared to anatomical specimen, anatomical sections and sonograms of high-resolution ultrasound equipment. Through this comparative study it was possible to demonstrate that the echo of the proximal perichondrium is anatomically consistent with the proximal perichondrium itself, parts of the joint capsule and the insertion of the musculus rectus femoris tendon. Identification of the ligamentum ischiofemorale and its separation from the labrum acetabulare, the joint capsule and the musculus rectus femoris tendon leads to better interpretation of the perichondrial gap in the sonogram. Common terms, such as "proximal perichondrium" and "perichondrial gap" obtain a new anatomical assessment. These terms, taken as a basis for knowledge of the anatomical structures, can be used as usual. There are no consequences for hip sonography today if the definition of the distinction between type III and type IV, and of the standard section is used further as the basis of sonography even if these terms have received a new anatomical classification.     

The prevention and treatment of postoperative thrombosis of the deep veins of the lower extremities (II. Treatment)

Defining the most appropriate conditions for strengthening the retention of endothelial cells (ECs) by small-diameter prosthetic endothelialized grafts is indispensable to their clinical application. The incubation time after seeding is one of the most important factors in EC retention. The effects of different postincubation times (0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 36 hr) on EC monolayers on two different types of graft, fibronectin-coated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and collagen-coated knitted Dacron grafts (4 mm x 5 cm) were examined. In situ counting of ECs on the grafts was performed by light microscopy. The percentage cell retention was calculated by dividing the cell counts for grafts exposed to pulsatile flow for 90 min by those for control grafts. To characterize the EC coverage of the grafts, scanning electron microscopy was also performed. The average cell density of control grafts ranged from 5.59 +/- 1.1 to 6.69 +/- 1.5 x 10(4) cells/cm2 and did not differ according to the kind of graft or incubation time. The knitted Dacron grafts showed the maximal cell retention (88 +/- 5%) after incubation for 8 hr, whereas ePTFE grafts did so after 24 hr (83 +/- 6%). Scanning electron microscopic examination after incubation for 8 hr revealed that the density of human ECs on the surfaces of ePTFE and Dacron grafts differed, although there was no morphological difference between the ECs on the two types of graft. Knitted Dacron grafts achieved a high percentage retention in a shorter time than ePTFE grafts.     

Changes in the plantaris muscle as an indicator of alterations in lean body mass of obese Zucker rats following prolonged energy restriction and subsequent partial recovery

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the origin of the pseudointima (PI) formed in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube grafts after implantation into the inferior vena cava (IVC) of rabbits. METHODS: A segment of the IVC of rabbits was replaced by PTFE tube graft (3 cm long, 3 mm inner diameter, 30 microns internodal distance, 0.3 mm thickness). The experimental group was divided into two groups as follows: (Group A) non-wrapped, (Group B) wrapped the outer wall of PTFE with impermeable vinyl. RESULTS: Grafts were harvested at three weeks after implantation and subjected to the following studies: patency, ultrastructural studies by light microscopy (LM) and immunostaining, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM & TEM). The grafts were patient but the lumen of the control group was narrowed by PI. LM and immunostaining studies revealed the presence of thick PI composed of spindle-type cells in Group A, bust almost no PI in Group B. Only few erythrocytes, macrophage and protein-fibrin matrix was found in Group B. Endothelial like cell coverage, judged by SEM, was observed in only Group A. Only some macrophages and platelets were shown in the graft surface in Group B. TEM of PI revealed the presence of VSMCs, myofibroblasts and outer surface of grafts revealed the presence of myofibroblast in Group A. CONCLUSIONS: The formation of PI suppressed by blocking the cellular migration from perigraft space suggest that PI was mainly originated by myofibroblast located in the perigraft space.     

Mandibular onlay grafting using prefabricated bone grafts with primary implant placement: an experimental study in minipigs

The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the use of prefabricated autogenous bone grafts as onlay grafts to the mandible. Excess bone of 10 x 12 x 40 mm was produced inside blocks of pyrolyzed bovine bone under a polylactic membrane coverage on the outside of the mandible in 15 adult G?ttingen minipigs. After 5 months, this bone was harvested and transferred to the premolar region of the mandibular body in 10 animals. Onlay grafts of mandibular bone were used as controls for the transplanted prefabricated grafts. All grafts were fixed by primary placement of one titanium implant each. Five animals served as ungrafted controls. Evaluation was performed after 3 months and 5 months, respectively. Two animals were lost to evaluation, and one scaffold became infected. Eleven of the remaining 12 scaffolds showed sufficient bone ingrowth for grafting. Three months after transplantation, bone volume of the prefabricated grafts was almost completely preserved, with only minimal resorption in the superficial pores of the scaffolds, while the control grafts exhibited partial resorption. The titanium implants, which had been placed at the time of only grafting, exhibited direct bone-implant contact. Five months after grafting, all titanium implants showed complete osseointegration, with direct bone-implant contact. The grafted bone exhibited a significant increase in bone density by appositional bone formation. The control grafts were nearly completely resorbed at that time.     

Effects of omental wrap on performance of small-caliber high-porosity expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of omental wrap on the performance of small-caliber expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts, with a special reference to transmural capillary ingrowth. High-porosity ePTFE grafts with a fibril length of 60 micrometer, an internal diameter of 4 mm, and 40 mm in length were implanted into the canine bilateral carotid arteries. The grafts on the right side were wrapped in an omental pedicle flap (omentum-wrap grafts), while those on the left were not (nonwrap grafts). The grafts were retrieved at intervals of 4 and 12 weeks. At 4 weeks, the patency rates of the omentum-wrap grafts and nonwrap grafts were almost the same (5/6 vs 6/6). At 12 weeks, patency tended to be higher in the omentum-wrap grafts than in the nonwrap grafts (3/5 vs 1/5). At 4 weeks, the thrombus-free surface score (TFS) was significantly higher in the omentum-wrap grafts than in the nonwrap grafts (44.8% vs 30.2%, P < 0.05). At 12 weeks, the TFS tended to be higher in the omentum-wrap grafts than in the nonwrap grafts (84.6% vs 62.4%). At 4 weeks, both the capillary transsectional area score (CTS) and capillary density were significantly higher in the omentum-wrap grafts than in the nonwrap grafts (CTS, 3.3% vs 1.1%, P < 0.05; capillary density, 196.0/mm2 vs 83.3/mm2, P < 0.05). At 12 weeks, both CTS and capillary density tended to be higher in the omentum-wrap grafts than in the nonwrap grafts (CTS, 1.1% vs 0%; capillary density, 69.4/mm2 vs 0/mm2). At 4 weeks, in the omentum-wrap grafts, extracellular matrices and cells in the interstices of the graft were stained with an antibody against VEGF. In conclusion, the omental wrap enhances transmural capillary ingrowth and thereby promotes endothelialization in small-caliber high-porosity ePTFE grafts. VEGF appears to play an active role in transmural capillary ingrowth enhanced by omental wrap.     

Tragus perichondrium-cartilage island transplant in middle ear surgery. Method and results after 5 years

Temporalis fascia remains the most widespread material for reconstructing the tympanic membrane in tympanomastoid surgery. If total or partial ossicular replacement prostheses are needed or pathology of the eustachian tube causes ventilation impairment, a more rigid transplant material is required. Between 1989 and 1994 perichondrium-cartilage composite grafts were used in a series of 597 cases of tympanomastoid surgery performed at the University ENT Clinic of Würzburg. The graft was taken from the tragus and prepared as a cartilage island with perichondrium attached to one side, the perichondrium-cartilage island transplant (PCI). If reconstruction of the ossicular chain was necessary, glass ionomer cement protheses (IONOS) were used. Closure of the tympanic membrane could be achieved in 90% of all cases. In those cases where ossicular chain reconstruction was postponed to a second procedure, closure of the drum was achieved in 96%. The audiological results of the different type III procedures were evaluated. By using the PCI technique a favorable closure of the air-bone gap to 10-25 dB was achieved, even in cases with advanced ear pathology technique and results are presented in detail.     

A comparative study of osseointegration of titanium implants in autogenous and freeze-dried bone grafts

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to compare the rate and degree of osseointegration of dental implants when placed into either autogenous corticocancellous chip or freeze-dried corticocancellous chip bone grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The canine ilium was used as the model site. Thirty experimental and 15 control implants were placed in 15 dogs: autogenous versus freeze-dried corticocancellous chip bone grafts around the exposed implant surfaces. In addition to the placement of control implants, the apical portion of the grafted implants acted as their own control. The implants were harvested at 1, 2, and 3 months. The evaluation of the integration process was performed by means of light microscopy, microradiography, and histomorphometry. RESULTS: Using this model, the results indicate that at 1 month there was no statistical difference in the degree of osseointegration in the two bone grafts. At 2 months, there was a statistically greater degree of osseointegration noted in the autogenous corticocancellous chip sites than in the freeze-dried bone grafts. At 3 months, the degree of osseointegration in the two groups was 70% and 33%, respectively. At 3 months, there was virtually 100% integration with trabecular bone at the control implant sites. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that at 2 months postoperatively implants placed in an autogenous bone chip graft osseointegrate to a significantly greater degree than implants placed in a freeze-dried bone chip graft, and this difference remains at 3 months.     

Aortic corset syndrome

The majority of proximal anastomotic complications of aortofemoral bypass grafts are related to the formation of pseudoaneurysms or true proximal aneurysmal dilation of the residual infrarenal aorta. The late development of occlusive disease at the proximal anastomosis is an extremely rare event. We report two patients in whom symptomatic stenoses developed involving the proximal anastomoses of aortofemoral bypass grafts originally placed for aortoiliac occlusive disease. Surgical exploration demonstrated the presence of a constricting prosthetic corset wrapped around the proximal suture line of each graft. Exuberant neointimal hyperplasia was responsible for both stenoses.     

The ability of human Schwann cell grafts to promote regeneration in the transected nude rat spinal cord

Advances in the purification and expansion of Schwann cells (SCs) from adult human peripheral nerve, together with biomaterials development, have made the construction of unique grafts with defined properties possible. We have utilized PAN/PVC guidance channels to form solid human SC grafts which can be transplanted either with or without the channel. We studied the ability of grafts placed with and without channels to support regeneration and to influence functional recovery; characteristics of the graft and host/graft interface were also compared. The T9-T10 spinal cord of nude rats was resected and a graft was placed across the gap; methylprednisolone was delivered acutely to decrease secondary injury. Channels minimized the immigration of connective tissue into grafts but contributed to some necrotic tissue loss, especially in the distal spinal cord. Grafts without channels contained more myelinated axons (x = 2129 +/- 785) vs (x = 1442 +/- 514) and were larger in cross-sectional area ( x = 1.53 +/- 0.24 mm2) vs (x = 0.95 +/- 0.86 mm2). The interfaces formed between the host spinal cord and the grafts placed without channels were highly interdigitated and resembled CNS-PNS transition zones; chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans was deposited there. Whereas several neuronal populations including propriospinal, sensory, motoneuronal, and brainstem neurons regenerated into human SC grafts, only propriospinal and sensory neurons were observed to reenter the host spinal cord. Using combinations of anterograde and retrograde tracers, we observed regeneration of propriospinal neurons up to 2.6 mm beyond grafts. We estimate that 1% of the fibers that enter grafts reenter the host spinal cord by 45 days after grafting. Following retrograde tracing from the distal spinal cord, more labeled neurons were unexpectedly found in the region of the dextran amine anterograde tracer injection site where a marked inflammatory reaction had occurred. Animals with bridging grafts obtained modestly higher scores during open field [(x = 8.2 +/- 0.35) vs (x = 6.8 +/- 0.42), P = 0.02] and inclined plane testing (x = 38.6 +/- 0. 542) vs (x = 36.3 +/- 0.53), P = 0.006] than animals with similar grafts in distally capped channels. In summary, this study showed that in the nude rat given methylprednisolone in combination with human SC grafts, some regenerative growth occurred beyond the graft and a modest improvement in function was observed.     

Spatial organization of cortical and subcortical afferent projections of the neostriatum in dogs

Injury to the facial nerve in the temporal bone presents a challenge to the recovery of nerve function, in that the fallopian canal in which it lies is poorly vascularized. This study was designed to determine if wrapping an intratemporal facial nerve defect repaired with a cable graft with a well-vascularized temporoparietal fascial (TPF) flap would improve facial nerve regeneration. To evaluate this question, a defect was created in the intratemporal left facial nerve of 10 rabbits. All nerves were repaired using cable grafts. In 5 animals, the nerve graft was wrapped with temporoparietal fascia, whereas in the other 5 rabbits it was not. Three additional animals underwent exposure only. The contralateral nerve served as a control in all animals. Quantitative analysis of the nerve graft 12 weeks after repair revealed greater recovery of original fiber diameter and myelin sheath thickness in TPF flap-wrapped repairs. Histological evidence of improved neural regeneration and functional nerve recovery was also seen in the repairs where the TPF flap was utilized. Nerve conduction and electromyographic studies of the cable-grafted nerve at 6 and 12 weeks were equivocal, however.     

Laryngeal reconstruction using allogeneic cartilages

Preserved allogeneic cartilage has been used to reconstruct laryngeal defects. The most important problem with this approach has been graft resorption, which seems to be caused by devitalization of the grafts as a consequence of preservation. In this study, the authors compared the in vivo behavior of vital and nonvital preserved cartilage used to reconstruct the larynx of New Zealand white rabbits. The vital cartilage grafts were stored using organ culture procedures, and the nonvital grafts were stored in formaldehyde. While the formaldehyde-preserved cartilage showed inflammatory changes, the transplanted vital cartilage was well accepted and showed no evidence of immune cell infiltrations. The authors concluded that viable cartilage grafts are preferable to grafts of chemically preserved cartilage.     

A comparison of vascularized and nonvascularized bone grafts for reconstruction of mandibular continuity defects

PURPOSE: This study compared vascularized and nonvascularized bone grafts for the reconstruction of segmental defects of the mandible. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The results in 39 patients having vascularized bone grafts (38 fibulas and one iliac crest) and 29 patients having nonvascularized bone grafts (26 iliac crest [22 corticocancellous block grafts, four cancellous bone grafts in a tray] and three rib grafts) for segmental mandibular reconstruction were evaluated in terms of overall success rate, total number of surgeries performed, total blood loss, total number of hospital days, and total number of hours in the operating room. RESULTS: Of 39 vascularized bone grafts, two failed (95% success rate), whereas of 29 nonvascularized bone grafts, seven failed (76% success rate). Failure for the nonvascularized bone grafts was closely correlated to the length of the defect. Nonvascularized bone graft patients underwent an average of one more surgical procedure for total reconstruction than vascularized bone graft patients, including osseointegrated implants. However, vascularized bone graft patients spent a mean of over 14 additional days in the hospital for all of their reconstructive procedures and an additional 3 hours in the operating room as compared with nonvascularized bone graft patients. Blood loss was similar in both groups (1,100 mL). Only 20% to 24% of patients in each treatment group have completed reconstruction to include osseointegrated implants. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate for vascularized bone grafting is high and is the treatment of choice when primary reconstruction is required, when the patient has been previously irradiated, or when simultaneous replacement of soft tissue is required. Vascularized bone grafts are also the treatment of choice for mandibular replacements over 9 cm in length. Nonvascularized bone grafts create a better contour and bone volume for facial esthetics and subsequent implant insertion, and may be the treatment of choice for secondary reconstruction of defects less than 9 cm in length.     

Repair of bone defects with absorbable membranes. A study on rabbits

Self-reinforced polyglycolic acid (SR-PGA) devices were developed in the mid-eighties, applied for fixation purposes and proved to be biocompatible. In this study SR-PGA membranes (10 x 10 mm) were used to augment defects on the medial aspect of distal femoral metaphysis in 31 New Zealand rabbits. Defects of 3.5 mm were either filled with autografts or left non-grafted. In a control group, no membranes were used. The rabbits were followed up for six, 12 and 24 weeks. Radiography, histology, oxytetracycline (OTC) fluorescence labelling and microradiography were used. Defects where membranes were used, healed by new bone formation. In some cases where polyglycolic acid (PGA) membranes were not used, defects were invaded by fibrous tissue. Membranes sometimes slipped away from their positions opposite to grafted defects. This study proved that the advantage of the use of PGA membranes could be taken in augmentation of cancellous bone defects in rabbits.     

The direct effect of graft compliance mismatch per se on development of host arterial intimal hyperplasia at the anastomotic interface

To study the direct and sole effect of compliance mismatch on anastomotic intimal hyperplasia of the host arterial wall and to minimize possible confounding factors, dogs with a low thrombotic potential were selected as experimental subjects. Externally supported 6 cm x 5 mm Dacron grafts with a compliance value of approximately 1/300 of the host artery were implanted into the carotid arteries with end-to-end anastomoses on one side and end-to-side anastomoses on the other. The control graft was an autogenous carotid artery segment 4 cm in length transplanted into the femoral artery. Eight cases (24 grafts) were studied for 1 year and three (nine grafts) for 6 months. All were patent throughout the study period except for two noncompliant grafts with end-to-end anastomoses; thrombosis was the documented cause of occlusion. For the patent grafts, follow-up arteriograms showed no progressive narrowing of noncompliant anastomoses. Whether compliant or noncompliant, light microscopy studies showed slight intimal thickening within 1 to 2 mm of the anastomotic line, possibly the result of the normal healing response to stitch and surgical trauma. Quantitatively, 22 measurements representing longitudinal and circumferential thickness of the neointima were taken at each of the 40 patent noncompliant and 22 patent compliant control anastomoses. There was no statistically significant difference in anastomotic neointimal thickness in compliant and noncompliant grafts or for the different implantation periods. These data suggest that graft/host artery compliance mismatch does not cause arterial intimal hyperplasia at the anastomotic interface.     

Biomechanical and histologic alteration of facial recipient bone after reconstruction with autogenous bone grafts and alloplastic implants: a 1-year study

Potential alteration of the underlying recipient bone resulting from a graft or implant has significant clinical relevance. The present study was designed to evaluate the biomechanical and histologic alteration of facial recipient bone with autogenous bone graft and alloplastic implants over a 1-year period. The bilateral arches of 15 rabbits were randomized between four groups: (1) control (n = 6), subperiosteal exposure of the zygomatic arch was made; (2) onlay (n = 12), bone graft was placed as an onlay to the zygomatic arch; (3) inlay (n = 6), bone graft was placed as an inlay within the zygomatic arch; (4) implant (n = 6), a stainless steel plate was placed as an onlay to the zygomatic arch. Animals were killed 1 year after grafting. In the onlay groups, all steel implants and half of the onlay bone grafts (n = 6) were separated from the zygomatic arch; the remaining onlay bone grafts (n = 6) were left on the zygomatic arch. Three-point breaking strength was measured through the center of the graft/implant site on the zygomatic arch, followed by histologic evaluation and histometric assessment of residual bone density. The findings demonstrated no difference in the breaking strength per unit bone area between the control zygomatic arch group and the onlay group in which the bone graft was left in place. Breaking strength of the zygomatic arch in the former two groups was significantly greater than that in either group in which the onlay bone graft or implant had been removed, and was also greater than the breaking strength in that group in which inlay bone had been placed (p < 0.05). Histologic assessment showed full-thickness conversion in architecture of the zygomatic arch from compact to woven bone beneath onlays of either autogenous bone graft or steel implant; histometric assessment demonstrated an accompanying decrease in bone density in the latter groups relative to the control zygoma (p < 0.05). We conclude that onlay autogenous bone graft and alloplastic implants to the facial skeleton induce transformation of both graft and recipient bone from compact to woven architecture, accompanied by a reduction in bone density. The biomechanical strength of recipient facial bone is significantly weakened if an onlay bone graft or implant is removed. Weakening occurs per unit area of remaining bone, and is therefore independent of any thinning that may occur within the recipient bone because of graft/implant placement. These findings may impact upon decisions to augment stress-bearing regions of the facial skeleton with bone graft or implants, particularly if the graft/implant may eventually require removal.     

Bone augmentation at titanium implants using autologous bone grafts and a bioresorbable barrier. An experimental study in the rabbit tibia

The aim of the present investigation was to compare the effect of using autologous bone particles covered with a bioresorbable matrix barrier with the use of bone particles alone on bone augmentation at titanium implants installed in the rabbit tibia. Two Br?nemark System implants, one in each tibia, were inserted in each of 9 rabbits in such a way that 5 threads were not covered with bone. Autologous bone particles were harvested from the skull and placed over the exposed implant surfaces on each tibia. The bone graft on one tibia was covered with a Guidor Matrix Barrier, while the bone graft on the other tibia served as a control. After a healing period of 12 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and specimens taken for histomorphometrical analyses. The analyses showed that a significantly larger volume of augmented bone tissue had formed at the test sites. There were, however, no differences in the amount of mineralized bone. In fact, the difference in tissue volume was due to an increased amount of bone marrow at the test sites. The degree of mineralized bone to implant contact as well as the degree of mineralized bone within the threads at the test implants were similar to that at the controls. In conclusion, it was found that the coverage of particulate autologous bone grafts with a bioresorbable barrier resulted in a larger volume of augmented bone than the use of bone grafts not covered with a barrier.     

High-frequency oscillation and centroid frequency of diaphragm EMG during inspiratory loading

Exposure of progenitor cells with chondrogenic potential to recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 [rhOP-1, or bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7] may be of therapeutic interest in the regeneration of articular cartilage. Therefore, in this study, we examined the influence of rhOP-1 on cartilage formation by human perichondrium tissue containing progenitor cells with chondrogenic potential in vitro. Fragments of outer ear perichondrium tissue were embedded in clotting autologous blood to which rhOP-1 had been added or not (controls), and the resulting explant was cultured for 3 weeks without further addition of rhOP-1. Cartilage formation was monitored biochemically by measuring [³5;S]sulfate incorporation into proteoglycans and histologically by monitoring the presence of metachromatic matrix with cells in nests. The presence of rhOP-1 in the explant at the beginning of culture stimulated [³5;S]sulfate incorporation into proteoglycans in a dose-dependent manner after 3 weeks of culture. Maximal stimulation was reached at 40 microgram/ml. Histology revealed that explants treated with 20-200 microgram/ml rhOP-1, but not untreated control explants, contained areas of metachromatic-staining matrix with chondrocytes in cell nests. These results suggest that rhOP-1 stimulates differentiation of cartilage from perichondrium tissue. The direct actions of rhOP-1 on perichondrium cells to stimulate chondrocytic differentiation and production of cartilage matrix in vitro provide a cellular mechanism for the induction of cartilage formation by rhOP-1 in vivo. Thus, rhOP-1 may promote early steps in the cascade of events leading to cartilage formation. Therefore, rhOP-1 could be an interesting factor for regeneration of cartilage in articular cartilage defects.     

Longitudinal element size effect on load sharing, internal loads, and fatigue life of tri-level spinal implant constructs

The effects of implant stiffness on load sharing and stress shielding, of vertebral column load sharing on implant fatigue life, and of instrumenting two versus one level adjacent to a comminuted segment on implant internal loads were studied. Finite element models of six screw constructs with 4.76 mm rod; 6.35 mm rod, and VSP plate tri-level instrumentation of two motion segments (healthy vertebra case and comminuted) and an adjacent healthy motion segment with dimensions representative of the human lumbar spine were used. Also a simplified model was developed to predict the percent of axial load passing through the column, which is a function of ki/kv the ratio of implant axial stiffness to instrumented vertebral column axial stiffness. For constructs with dimensions typical of the human lumbar spine, 77 to 80% of the axial load was predicted to pass through one or two healthy motion segments when instrumented with either 6.35 mm rod or VSP plates, compared to 90% when instrumented with 4.76 mm rods. When instrumenting smaller motion segments (in dogs) for comparison, 60% of the axial load was predicted to pass through the column for 4.76 mm rod and 33% for 6.35 mm rod constructs due to increased implant stiffness ki as a result of decreased AP and longitudinal construct dimensions, and lower canine motion segment stiffness kv.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)