Repair of segmental defecits with nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen/PLA composite combined with mesenchymal stem cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the capacity of fresh-frozen allogeneic bone, nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen/PLA (nHAC/PLA) scaffold, and nHAC/PLA scaffold loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in inducing bone formation. A 10mm segmental rabbit radial defect was surgically created. The animals were divided into four groups in which the defect was either left untreated, or filled with the above-mentioned three grafts. The animals were euthanized at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 18 weeks. Radiographic and histologic analyses were performed on the harvested tissue. We show that nHAC/PLA composite combined with mesenchymal stem cells could enhance and accelerate bone formation in segmental defects of rabbits. nHAC/PLA composite is an ideal bone graft; implanting nRAC/PLA composite combined with mesenchymal stem cells is a potential method for surgical treatment of bone defects.