Kkj. Hallfeldt et al., STERILIZATION OF PARTIALLY DEMINERALIZED BONE-MATRIX - THE EFFECTS OFDIFFERENT STERILIZATION TECHNIQUES ON OSTEOGENETIC PROPERTIES, The Journal of surgical research, 59(5), 1995, pp. 614-620
Transplantation of allogenic bone requires the thorough examination of
donors as well as the careful processing and storage of samples in or
der to minimize potential infection. Other problems associated with al
logenic transplants such as low osteoinductive properties and immunolo
gical reactions led to the development of partially demineralized bone
matrix (PDBM). This highly osteogenic bone extract is largely free of
antigens and easy to produce. However, in order to exclude the potent
ial risk of infection, PDBM should be sterilized prior to implantation
. It was the purpose of this study to investigate the influence of var
ious sterilization techniques on the osteoinductive properties of PDBM
. Seventy-six drill defects with a diameter of 0.6 cm in the tibia of
11 Merino sheep were filled with PDBM as well as autogenic or allogeni
c cancellous bone. Prior to implantation the PDBM was sterilized using
autoclavation, gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide, or ethanol. Twelve
empty drill holes served as controls. The extent of new bone formation
was ascertained by histological, fluorescent-optical, and microradiog
raphical examinations 3 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Furthermore, the
amount of newly formed bone was measured quantitatively. Apart from au
toclaved PDBM, all matrix grafts showed excellent new bone formation a
fter sterilization, exceeding the results of allogenic cancellous bone
. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.