The effect of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (bone morphogenetic protein-7) impregnation on allografts in a canine intercalary bone defect.

The utility of cortical allografts in repairing large bone defects is limited by their slow and incomplete incorporation into host bone. In order to determine the effects of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (rhOP-1) impregnation on allograft incorporation, we used a canine intercalary bone defect model. Bilateral resection of a 4 cm segment of the femoral diaphysis and reconstruction with structural bone allografts were performed. In one limb, the allograft was soaked in solution with rhOP-1 for 1 h before implantation. In the other limb, the allograft was soaked in the same solution without rhOP-1. Dynamic load-bearing, radiographic analysis, biomechanical testing, and histomorphometric analysis were conducted. Radiographic analysis showed significantly larger periosteal callus area in the rhOP-1 treated group at week 2. The rhOP-1 significantly increased allograft bone porosity and significantly increased the number of active osteons in the allografts. There were no significant differences between the rhOP-1 treated and non-treated allografts in load bearing and biomechanical analyses. These findings indicate that rhOP- I increases intercalary allograft remodeling without deleterious effects in mechanical and functional strength.