J Reconstr Microsurg 2020; 36(02): 082-092
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1695052
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Outcomes of Vascularized Bone Allotransplantation with Surgically Induced Autogenous Angiogenesis in a Large Animal Model: Bone Healing, Remodeling, and Material Properties

Rudolph H. Houben
1   Microvascular Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
,
Dimitra Kotsougiani
2   Clinic for Hand, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Germany
3   Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Germany
,
Patricia F. Friedrich
1   Microvascular Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
,
Alexander Y. Shin
1   Microvascular Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
,
Allen T. Bishop
1   Microvascular Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
› Author Affiliations
Funding These studies were supported by the National Institute of Health (NIH grant: 5R01AR049718).
Further Information

Publication History

13 February 2019

07 July 2019

Publication Date:
30 August 2019 (online)

Abstract

Background Bone vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is a possible alternative for the treatment of large bone defects. Clinical application of VCAs is limited by the need for life-long immunosuppression (IS). We report an alternative method to maintain bone allotransplant viability in a large animal model without the need for life-long IS by using autogenous vessel implantation.

Methods Fourteen bone only VCAs were transplanted in a porcine tibia defect model with short-term IS. Two groups were used to evaluate the effect of the implantation of an autogenous arteriovenous (AV)-bundle, therefore the only difference between the groups was the patency of the AV-bundle. We radiographically evaluated bone healing and allogenic pedicle patency. AV-bundle patency and union were evaluated with micro-CT. Bone remodeling was assessed with histomorphometry and material properties were evaluated with axial compression testing and cyclic reference point indentation.

Results Two subjects did not reach the final time point. Twelve tibiae healed proximally, and nine at the distal transplant–bone interface. Bone allotransplants showed their viability in the first 4 to 6 weeks by significant periosteal bridging arising from the transplant and maintained pedicle patency. Bone material properties were not affected by the implantation of an AV-bundle when compared with ligated AV-bundle controls, but diminished compared with normal bone. Significantly higher bone formation rates resulted from the implantation of a patent AV-bundle.

Conclusion New periosteal bone formation and subsequent bone healing result from blood flow through the microsurgically repaired nutrient blood supply, demonstrated by maintained allogenic pedicle patency. The implantation of a patent autogenous AV-bundle has no adverse effect on material properties, but a positive effect on bone remodeling of endosteal surfaces despite thrombosis of the allogenic pedicle. Bone material properties change after transplantation compared with normal bone, although 20-weeks survival time is relatively short for the final evaluation of bone material properties.

Note

Research was performed at the Microvascular Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.


Authors' Contributions

A.T.B. was the principal investigator with overall responsibility for planning, funding, and supervising the study, with significant contributions from R.H.H. and D.K. All authors participated in the surgical transplantation procedures. R.H.H. and P.F.F. did the experimental follow-up and collection of the samples. R.H.H. performed all the analyses of the data. R.H.H. and A.T.B. wrote the manuscript. A.Y.S., D.K., and P.F.F. revised the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final submitted manuscript.


 
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