Long term preservation with UW solution versus EC improves revascularization of transplanted bone

Background: Trauma surgery lacks a substitute for the reconstruction of lon g bones and joints. Allogenic bone and joint transplantation in humans has recently been performed to restore length and function of the lower extremi ty. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of University of Wisconsin (UW) and Euro-Coll ins (EC) as preservation solutions for allogenic vascularized bone and join t transplantation. Methods: The studies were carried out using a skinfold chamber model in T-c ell-deficient nude mice. After preservation for 36 hours at 4 degrees C wit h UW vs. EC bone was transplanted into the chamber tissue (striated muscle) . Functional vessel density (FVD) was determined as a measure of the revasc ularization of the transplanted bone using intravital microscopy on days 3, 6, 8 and 10 post-transplantation. Results: The mean values of the FVD were significantly higher on days 6, 8 and 10 post-transplantation in the UW group compared with the EC-group. Conclusions: In this experimental model UW solution is superior to EC with respect to the long term preservation of transplanted bone.