A resorbable biomaterial shaped as a tubular chamber and containing stem cells: a pilot study on artificial bone regeneration

In a previous study, we showed how healing of non-union defects in rabbit radii can be achieved by means of a tubular resorbable chamber, in comparison with untreated defects. in the present study we placed bone marrow stem cells inside the chamber. Bone marrow was obtained by percutaneous aspiration from the iliac crest in 9 adult New Zealand rabbits. Stem cells were separated by the centrifugation technique. In the same animals, a defect of 10 mm was created in both radii. On the left side, the defect was treated with the poly-DL-Lactide chamber, in which a suspension of autologous cells was injected; on the right side, only autologous cells were used. Radiological and histomorphometric data were compared within this study as well as with the results of our previous study. At 3, 6 and 9 months, there was no healing on the right side. On the left side, progressive bone formation with reunion of the stumps was observed in the chamber. We conclude that stem cells can accelerate bone healing when contained in the tubular chamber.