Premium
Evaluation of Ad‐BMP‐2 for enhancing fracture healing in an infected defect fracture rabbit model
Author(s) -
Southwood Louise L.,
Frisbie David D.,
Kawcak Chris E.,
Ghivizzani Steven C.,
Evans Chris H.,
McIlwraith C. Wayne
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1016/s0736-0266(03)00129-3
Subject(s) - bone healing , medicine , new zealand white rabbit , cartilage , bone morphogenetic protein 2 , ossification , callus , surgery , pathology , anatomy , biology , in vitro , paleontology , biochemistry , genetics
The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of adenoviral transfer of the BMP‐2 gene (Ad‐BMP‐2) for enhancing healing in an infected defect fracture model. A femoral defect stabilized with plates and screws was surgically created in sixty‐four skeletally mature New Zealand white rabbits. Experimental groups were: (1) non‐infected Ad‐luciferase (Ad‐LUC, NONLUC), (2) non‐infected Ad‐BMP‐2 (NONBMP), (3) infected Ad‐LUC (INFLUC), and (4) infected Ad‐BMP‐2 (INFBMP). A sclerosing agent was applied to the ends of the bone at surgery to facilitate the development of osteomyelitis. Fracture healing was evaluated radio‐graphically and histologically. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA, with statistical significance set as p < 0.05. Rabbits in the non‐infected and infected groups that were treated with Ad‐BMP‐2 had earlier initial‐ and bridging‐callus formation, and a higher overall external callus grade compared to rabbits in the Ad‐LUC groups. Rabbits in the Ad‐LUC groups had more defect ossification compared to rabbits in the Ad‐BMP‐2 groups. There was a trend for rabbits in the Ad‐BMP‐2 group that were euthanized at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery to have more bone and cartilage compared to rabbits in the Ad‐LUC group. The results of this study suggest that Ad‐BMP‐2 enhances the early stages of healing in an infected defect fracture. The results of our study were not as favorable as those reported in previous studies because animals healed by a large bridging callus and not by defect ossification. This could have been a result of the sclerosing agent, which may have damaged the cells in the defect. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.