An experimental sheep model for large bone critical defect reconstruction with 3D biomimetic porous titanium (Ti6Al4V) scaffolds

7^th International Conference on Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine

October 02-04, 2017 Barcelona, Spain

Crovace A M, Santos-Ruiz L, Becerra J, Francioso E, Monopoli-Forleo D and Crovace

Universit�  degli studi di Perugia, Italy
University of M�¡laga, Spain
Istituto Tecnlogico de Spain
Universit�  degli studi di Bari-Aldo Moro, Italy

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Tissue Sci Eng

Abstract :

The main goal of the treatment of large bone defect is directed to guarantee a precocious loading of the affected limb. In this paper, the authors propose a new experimental approach using biomimetic porous titanium scaffold made with Electron Beam melting technology that evidenced to be suitable to reach the purpose. An in vivo study was undertaken performing a complete resection in the diaphysis of the right tibia of six sheep, replaced with a five centimeters framework of EBM-sintered titanium. After surgery, the sheep were allowed to move freely in the stables. The outcome was evaluated by periodical X-ray and clinical investigations with a follow-up of 12 months. At 12 months, the sheep were euthanized and the tibia were subjected to histological analysis. After nine months, the plates were removed and X-ray showed a remodelling of periostal callus with a well-defined cortical bone and the scaffolds were completely integrated in the diaphysis. The histological investigations were executed on bone-metal interface and showed bone growth among the titanium bars, bone trabeculae have bridged the titanium trabeculae suggested a good tissue-metal interaction. This implant, used to repair large bone critical defects in a large animal model, can guarantee the immediate body weight-bearing, a precocious functional recovery while the geometry of the porous implants seems to promote osteointegration . In conclusion, this kind of implant, used to repair large bone critical defects in a large animal model, can guarantee the desirable immediate bodyweight-bearing, a precocious functional recovery and a good osteointegration.