Basic fibroblast growth factor may improve devascularized sternal healing

Background. We have shown that a gelatin sheet incorporating basic fibrobla st growth factor enhanced bone regeneration of the devascularized sternum. The purpose of this study was to determine if topical use of the gelatin sh eet accelerated normal sternal regeneration and bone remodeling. Methods. Thirty Wistar rats had median sternotomy and were divided into 3 g roups: 10 had the bilateral internal thoracic arteries removed and basic fi broblast growth factor sheet applied on the sternum (group A), 10 had just the bilateral internal thoracic arteries removed (group B), and 10 had inta ct bilateral internal thoracic arteries (group C). Results. Four weeks later the peristennal blood flow significantly increase d and marked angiogenesis was seen around the sternum in group A. Histologi cally, the sternum was almost completely healed only in group A. In group A the bone mineral content was highest, but the bone mineral density was sim ilar to that in other groups. The osteoclast index in group A was highest a t the border zone of bone formation and remained high in regenerated bone. Conclusions. The basic fibroblast growth factor sheet offset sternal ischem ia and accelerated normal sternal bone regeneration and remodeling not only by callus formation but also by callus resorption. (Ann Thorac Surg 2000;7 0:824-8) (C) 2000 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.