Allogeneic bone graft devitalized in liquid nitrogen - sheep experimental study

This study evaluated the allogeneic cortical bone graft incorporation after submission of the harvested fragment to a bout freezing in liquid nitrogen. Six adult sheep, clinically healthy, were submitted to a 7cm ostectomy of the tibial diaphysis. The fragment was submersed in a liquid nitrogen and implanted in another sheep missing a same-sized segment at the corresponding bone. Stabilization of the allograft in the host bone was accomplished by a dynamic compressive plate (DCP). Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed in the immediate post-operatory period and in every 30 days for six months after surgery. The proximal and distal host-graft interfaces showed radiographic union at a mean postoperative time of 95 days in all the animals. The cortical bone allograft submitted to liquid nitrogen freezing provided adequate bone healing in the sheep model

allogeneic bone graft; incorporation; dynamic compressive plate; orthopedics; ovine