Effect of human amniotic membrane on the consolidation during bone lengthening by distraction: Experimental study in rabbits.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of implantation of fresh human amniotic membranes (HAM) on bone consolidation during distraction bone lengthening. METHODS: Ten New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. For each rabbit, we performed a diaphyseal tibial osteotomy after installing a single-plane distraction external fixator. Rabbits were divided into 2 groups (n = 5): an osteotomy and rapid lengthening of 2.8 mm/days (negative control (NC) group) or an osteotomy with implantation of fresh HAM and rapid lengthening of 2.8 mm/days (HAM group). We carried out a rapid lengthening at a rate of 2 turns/day for 7 days and a single turn on the 8th day knowing that one turn corresponds to an elongation of 1.4 mm. The total elongation obtained was 21 mm corresponding to 20-25 % of the length of the rabbit's tibia. A radiological study was carried out on 4 and 8 weeks after the end of lengthening. Micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) analysis was carried out 8 weeks after the end of the lengthening and after the sacrifice of the rabbits associated with histological analyses. RESULTS: For the HAM group, radiographic analysis showed that all cases consolidated with a homogeneous callus visible at 1 month after lengthening, and complete corticalization was demonstrated at μ-CT analysis. Histological staining exhibited thick continuous cortices with intramedullary fibro adipose tissue with a medulla rich in hematopoietic cells. CONCLUSION: The results show that HAM affects the stimulation of bone consolidation during bone lengthening by distraction.