Use of the induced membrane technique for bone tissue engineering purposes: animal studies.

Animal experiments using the induced membrane procedure for bone tissue engineering purposes have provided evidence that the membrane has structural characteristics and biologic properties that may be used for bone tissue engineering purposes. Clinically relevant animal models have demonstrated that standardized particulate bone constructs can be used to repair large bone defects using the procedure and that the osteogenic ability of these constructs partially approaches that of bone autografts.

Long-bone critical-size defects treated with tissue-engineered grafts: a study on sheep.

Standardized particulate bone constructs, obtained by expanding autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) onto coral granules in vitro, were transplanted into long-bone, critical-size defects in sheep. Control experiments were also performed in which autologous bone grafts were implanted. Defect cavities were lined with a preformed vascularized membrane (induced by temporarily inserting a cement spacer for 6 weeks prior to bone construct implantation), which served as a mold keeping the engineered bone granules in place.

Induction of a barrier membrane to facilitate reconstruction of massive segmental diaphyseal bone defects: an ovine model.

Objectives: To report an ovine model that can be used to evaluate the efficacy of bone substitutes for repair of segmental diaphyseal bone defects.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Animals: Eleven 2-year-old Pré-Alpes Sheep.

A technique for creating critical-size defects in the metatarsus of sheep for use in investigation of healing of long-bone defects.

Objective: To develop a technique for use in investigation of healing of long-bone defects by creation of a critical-size defect in the left metarsal III and IV bone (metatarsus) of sheep.

Animals: 18 healthy adult sheep.

Procedure: Sheep were allocated to 4 groups (3, 3, 5, and 7 sheep in groups 1 to 4, respectively).