Osteogenesis after bone and bone-marrow transplantation. I. Studies with combined myelo-osseous grafts in the guinea pig.

There has been conflicting evidence in the past regarding the contribution made to new bone formation by various components of a bone graft. This study in guinea pigs has compared cortical and cancellous bone allografts, both non-decalcified and hydrochloric acid decalcified, inserted into a muscular site for up to thirteen days, both alone and combined with autologous bone marrow. New bone formation was seen only if the implant contained fresh autologous marrow and it was not seen before the ninth day of implantation. There were no differences in the cell populations about cortical and cancellous grafts. Undecalcified bone evoked giant cell formation as well as new bone.