Effects of allogenic and xenogenic cartilage graft on bone defect healing in rabbit model

Orthopedic surgeons are trying to find best substitutes for bone grafting in human and veterinary medicine. Bone autografts are still as a golden standard in comparison with other bone grafts. Diced ear cartilage from dog and rabbit have been used on bone healing previously, in the present study effects of rabbit and bovine rib cartilages will evaluated in bone healing of rabbit bone defect model.
In this study, 20 adult rabbits weighing approximately 2 kg were used. The rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups. The bone segment was removed from the mid radial bone. In the first group (N = 5) in the gap segement of bovine rib cartilage was implanted. In the second group (N = 5) in the gap, segement of rabbit rib cartilage was implanted. In the third group (empty control group), (N = 5) the defect was left without implantation. Finally, the fourth group (autograft Group), (N = 5) the defect was filled with a same harvested bone. The skin and muscles were sutured routinely. X-rays were taken on 14th , 28th , 42nd and 56th postoperative days.
Result and After 8 weeks bone samples were taken from healed area for for histopathological evaluation. The results of our study indicate allogenic and xenogenic cartilage acted almost like autograft groups and were better than empty group.