INVESTIGATION OF AN ORGANIC DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR DEMINERALIZED BONE-MATRIX IN A DELAYED-HEALING CRANIAL DEFECT MODEL

The osteogenic potential of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) has been d emonstrated in multiple animal models and clinical applications. A par ticulate form of DBM is generally used to fill defects because it is e asily packed into a defect site without operative planning or shaping. One potential disadvantage in the use of a particulate is the migrati on of particles from the defect site. To stem this, glycerol was added to DBM to improve handling properties. A study was undertaken to comp are two forms of DBM with glycerol, with DBM particulate and autograft in a bony defect site. The model chosen consisted of bilateral 8-mm t rephine defects created in the parietal skull of 40 rabbits. Animals w ere sacrificed at 2 and 8 weeks. Results demonstrated both cartilage a nd bone induction with the three forms of DBM, with 75-90% of the line ar width of the defect filled with new bone by 2 weeks. This was simil ar to the autograft (86%) and significantly greater than the unfilled defects (26%) at 2 weeks. The addition of glycerol to the DBM did not affect the inductive capacity, and produced a response similar to that of DBM particulate alone or autogenous bone. (C) 1994 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.