A microradiographic investigation of cancellous bone healing after irradiation and hyperbaric oxygenation: a rabbit study.

PURPOSE

To analyze the effect of irradiation on cancellous bone healing at different times after irradiation and to study if hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) would affect the bone healing capacity, when delivered directly after irradiation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Rabbits were given a single dose of 15 Gy (60)Co radiation to one hind leg, the other hind leg serving as control. A standardized defect through the femoral metaphysis of the rabbits was created by a trephine drill biopsy at different times after irradiation. New bone formation in the defect was evaluated by a new biopsy through the previous defect after a healing time of 8 weeks. The mineral contents of the biopsies were analyzed by microradiography and microdensitometry.

RESULTS

There was a large variation in the bone-forming capacity expressed as bone mineral content between the animals. No statistically significant differences could be detected regarding the effect of irradiation, HBO, or delayed surgery. Qualitative histology revealed more pronounced inflammation, fibrosis, and bone resorption in the irradiated bone.

CONCLUSIONS

No definite conclusions can be drawn from the results of this study, however it might be hypothesized that cancellous bone recovers faster than cortical bone from radiation trauma.