Defect filling with demineralized bone matrix. Experimental investigations in minipigs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone stimulation forced by Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM)-Chips and -Gel in comparison to the bone -ingrowth into a porous hydroxylapatite ceramic (Endobon) in mini pigs. The following results were obtained: 1. DBM-Chips and DBM-Gel did not stimulate bone healing when filled into cancellous bone defects. The defect did not heal within 12 weeks. 2. Up to 35 days the least amount of new bone formation was observed within porous hydroxylapatite ceramic. Up to 12 weeks completly bone ingrowth in to the ceramic has been seen with close bonding between new formed bone and the ceramic trabeculae. 3. By continuous labelling with fluorochromes the new bone formation could be analysed by fluorescence microscopy and the dynamics could be related to time after implantation.