Bone healing with niobium-containing bioactive glass composition in rat femur model: A micro-CT study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate bone healing ability of niobium-containing bioactive glasses in rat femur model with quantitative and qualitative measurements through x-ray computed microtomography.

METHODS

Niobium-containing bioactive powders and scaffolds were produced by sol-gel route (BAGNb). Glasses without niobium addition were produced as well (BAG). Five groups were used: BAGNb powders, BAG powders, BAGNb scaffolds, BAG scaffolds and, as a control group, autogenous bone was used. Materials were implanted in the femur of male rats (Wistar Lineage n=10) and the healing was observed after 15, 30 and 60 days. After the post-operative times, samples were scanned by X-ray microcomputed tomography where morphometric measurements and the mineral density were assessed in image software.

RESULTS

No postoperative complications were observed after surgery. BAGNb glasses presented higher mineral deposition, which was observed in the relative volume of bone and the mineral density when compared BAG groups. In these parameters, no statistical difference was found between BAGNb and autogenous bone. The BAGNb powders presented a higher amount of mineralized tissue when compared to BAGNb scaffolds. The analysis of trabecular structure showed lower trabecular formation in synthetic materials when compared to autogenous bone.

SIGNIFICANCE

Niobium-containing bioactive glasses promoted bone formation comparable to that of the autogenous bone without compromising the quality of the formed bone.