The osteogenic potential of rib autografts can be preserved in culture.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an experimental study to compare various methods of storing rib autograft between stages of spinal surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The authors' goal was to determine the optimum conditions for storing bone graft, while preserving its osteogenic potential.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

It never has been demonstrated that osteoblastic function can be preserved after bone graft is stored. Other researchers have shown preservation of cellular function, but not its nature.

METHODS

Excised rib was stored in one of several ways: in culture medium at -196 C, 4 C, or 37 C, or in saline at 4 C for 2 weeks and then cultured at 37 C. Any cells produced were characterized using standard techniques.

RESULTS

Bone stored at 37 C and -196 C retained its osteogenic potential. Bone stored at 4 C in saline did not. Bone stored at 4 C in culture medium was intermediate in its preservation of osteogenic capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone stored under suitable conditions retains osteogenic potential, and when reimplanted will add osteogenic cells to the fusion mass.