Repair of large segmental bone defects with fascial flap-wrapped allogeneic bone

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of the application of fascial flap-wrapped allogeneic bone for repair of large segmental tibial defects in rabbits and provide a theoretical basis for treatment of large segmental defects in weight-bearing bones. METHODS Forty-eight healthy adult New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were randomized into two groups to establish 15-mm bone defects in the proximal tibia. Bone defects in test and control groups were repaired using allogeneic bone with and without a vascularized fascial flap from the rabbit proximal tibia, respectively. The differences in repair of bone defects between the two groups were assessed with postoperative X-ray examination, new bone quantity assessment, serum bone Gla protein (BGP) level, and biomechanical testing. RESULTS The therapeutic effect in the test group was superior to that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Fascial flap-wrapped allogeneic bone is superior to allogeneic bone alone, and is ideal for the treatment of large segmental bone defects.