Osteogenesis promoted by bone matrix combined with marrow. Titanium implants studied in rats.

We evaluated the bone-forming potential of isogeneic bone marrow combined with antigen-extracted, autolyzed allogeneic bone matrix (AAA bone a.m. Urist). The purpose of the experiment was to evaluate bone-inducing materials for application in orthopaedic devices designed for fixation by bone ingrowth into a porous surface. The bone-forming materials were packed into tubes of porous fiber titanium and placed in the back musculature of rats for 12 or 25 days. At 12 days the combination of bone marrow and AAA bone had produced more bone than marrow only. At 25 days, however, there was no difference. The bone-inducing materials produced substantial amounts of new bone, and may become an adjuvant for achieving fixation by bone ingrowth. In particular, a combination of AAA bone and marrow might enhance fixation at a very early postoperative stage.