Evaluation of autologous cancellous bone graft and beta tri-calcium phosphate with and without autologous bone marrow in fracture healing in dogs

The objective of the study was to evaluate autologous cancellous bone graft, beta tri-calcium phosphate (p-TCP) alone and along with autologous bone marrow in femur fracture healing in dogs. Sixteen clinical cases with femur fractures were divided into four equal groups, A, B, C and D. Femur fractures were stabilized with intramedullary (IM) pin as primary fixation device in animals of all groups and then autologous cancellous bone graft, P-TCP, and p-TCP and autologous bone marrow aspirate composite were implanted at the fracture site in animals of groups B, C and D, respectively. The fracture healing was evaluated on the basis of clinical examination, haemato-biochemical and radiographic parameters on day 0 and on 7 ^th, 15^th, 30^th, 45^th and 60^thpostoperative days. Haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count did not differ significantly within and among the groups. The serum calcium values increased significantly (P<0.05) on 7 ^th and 15^thpostoperative days. A significant reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase levels was observed on successive postoperative days. Radiographs showed good fracture reduction and fixation in all the groups, and early signs of fracture healing in groups B, C and D as compared to group A. The hypertrophic callus formation was more in group C than groups A, B and D. Excellent weight bearing was noticed in group D animals. The overall functional outcome in groups B, C and D animals was better in comparison to group A animals.