Summary
Introduction: Synthetic void-fillers offer an alternative to autograft or allograft bone in the
repair of segmental defects. However, the reparative process is delayed as only osteo-conductive
elements are present. The inclusion of pluripotential cells may resolve this limitation,
and the use of allogeneic tissue provides the opportunity for an off-the-shelf remedy.
The current study evaluated the utilisation of mesenchymal precursor cells (MPC) for
the repair of an ovine critical-size tibial segmental defect.
Methods: Twenty-four, mature female sheep underwent surgery for the creation of a 3 cm tibial
diaphyseal defect. In one group of 12 sheep the scaffold was used alone, and in the
second group the scaffold was seeded with MPC. The defect was stabilised using a locking
intramedullary nail and allowed to heal over a nine-month-period. Outcome assessments
of healing included radiology of callus formation, computed tomography, assessment
of new-bone volume, mechanical attributes, and histological evaluation of linear bone
apposition rate and tissue response.
Results: The MPC-treated group displayed a significantly greater level of callus formation
and rate of bone apposition in the defect.
Discussion: The incorporation of allogeneic MPC to a synthetic void filler stimulated early repair
of critical-size diaphyseal segmental defects and holds potential as an off-the-shelf
therapy for augmenting bone regeneration.
Keywords
Mesenchymal precursor cells - tibial segmental defect - ovine model - trauma
