| Abstract: | A feline tibial nonunion model was used to evaluate the efficacy of fresh autogeneic and deep-frozen allogeneic cortical chip grafts for bone repair. Rigidly fixated tibial ostectomies with a segmental defect length of 1 cm were grafted with 3 mm X 2 mm chips of cortical bone in 12 skeletally mature cats. Six cats were given fresh autogeneic bone (group A) and 6 were given deep-frozen allogeneic bone (group B). Bone healing was evaluated radiographically and histologically over a 12-week period. Consolidating bony callus and palpable stability of the tibia after bone plate removal were evident in all group A cats and 4 of the 6 group B cats by 12 weeks after surgery. Bone remodeling had progressed to intermediate restoration of diaphyseal structure in 2 cats of each group. Fibrous replacement of graft chips, absence of bony callus, and instability of the tibia after bone plate removal were evident in 1 group B cat at 12 weeks. The remaining group B cat was withdrawn from the study at 6 weeks due to loosening of the bone plate and screws. |
