Graft healing in vivo can be affected by allograft processing. We asked whether a new processing technique influenced graft-host
healing compared with autograft and a standard processing technique in a canine ulna model. We used bilateral intercalary
allografts or autografts in the ulna of 13 skeletally mature male coonhounds. Each animal received two allografts, either
one autograft and one allograft, or two autografts. At term (90 days), the graft sites were harvested. We assessed union with
high-resolution xray imaging. Each specimen was processed for nondecalcified histologic analysis to assess the graft-host
interface. Quantitative histomorphometric analysis was performed to determine spatial location and area of bone. Radiographic
analysis, histologic analysis, and histomorphometric measures revealed no differences in union, mean total bone area, or total
endosteal/intramedullary bone for the new process, standard process, and autografts. Our preliminary data suggest the new
processing techniques may increase the safety of allograft transplantation without adversely affecting union when compared
with standard processing techniques and autograft in a canine model.
One or more of the authors (KSB, BET, JB, RDH, WFE) received funding from Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation. The data
and/or manuscript were reviewed by CAD, Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation before submission. One or more of the authors
(CAD) was employed by the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation.
Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the animal protocol for this investigation and that all investigations
were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.