Experimental stimulation of osteogenesis induced by bone matrix.

Bone gaps in 20 rabbits were filled with decalcified homologous bone. Direct currents, intravenous calcium, and anabolic steroids were administered for stimulation of osteogenesis. The shape and microscopic structure of the newly formed bone, together with the velocity of the osteogenesis, were investigated. Results were assessed by microscopic and radiographic analyses. In the group of calcium posttreatment, irregular shape and callosities were characteristic. Anabolic steroids failed to improve consolidation significantly; best results were seen after electrical stimulation of the grafted areas. In the group with electrical stimulation, fair shape, together with a more regular microscopic structure of the newly formed bone, were characteristic 4 weeks after surgery. Ungrafted gaps, together with defects filled with undecalcified cortical bone, failed to heal within the examined period of time.