Use of demineralized allogeneic bone implants for the correction of maxillocraniofacial deformities.

Two major problems in maxillocraniofacial surgery are the limited amount of fresh autogenous bone, the standard material for bone grafting, and the resorption of the grafted bone. Experimental studies with demineralized, devitalized bone matrix have shown induction of endochondral ossification. Fifty-five demineralized allogeneic implants have been used in 44 patients over the past two years for a variety of congenital (n = 37) and acquired (n = 7) defects. The allogeneic bone was obtained from cadavers, prepared as powders, chips or blocks, and was demineralized. After having been sterilized by irradiation, they were used to augment contour, fill defects, or construct bone within soft tissue. Of implanted sites that could be evaluated by physical examination, 31 of 31 were solid by three months. By radiographic examination three of 19 were healed by three months, and an additional 11 were positive by six months. Induced bone was seen in four of four biopsy specimens. Infection occurred in four of 44 patients (9%), comparable with conventional grafts. Implant resorption occurred in four instances. Allogeneic demineralized implants offer several advantages over conventional bone grafting, such as avoidance of a harvesting operation, ease of manipulation, and potentially unlimited material in banked form. In addition, healing by induced osteogenesis may bypass the resorption seen with healing of mineral-containing grafts.     

The effect of various sterilization procedures on the osteoinductive properties of demineralized bone matrix]

To minimize potential infection following the transplantation of allogeneic bone, extremely rigorous selection of donors and careful processing and storage of samples are required. Other major problems related to allogeneic transplants, such as reduced osteogenic properties and immunological reactions, led to the development of demineralized bone matrix (DBM). This osteoinductive bone extract is largely free of antigens and is easy to produce. However, to eliminate the potential risk of infection, DBM should be sterilized prior to implantation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different sterilization techniques on the osteoinductive properties of DBM. A series of 76 cortical defects (drill holes) 0.6 cm in diameter in the tibiae of 11 Merino sheep were filled with DBM in addition to autogeneic and allogeneic cancellous bone. Prior to implantation DBM was sterilized by autoclaving, gamma irradiation, or application of ethylene oxide or ethyl alcohol. A further 12 drill holes were left empty as controls. The formation of new bone was examined 3 and 6 weeks postoperatively, using histological, fluorescent-optical and microradiographical techniques. The amount of newly formed bone was also quantified. Apart from autoclaved DBM all matrix grafts showed excellent new bone formation following sterilization, by far exceeding the formation with allogeneic cancellous bone.     

Effect of hydrogen peroxide on osteoinduction by demineralized bone

The osteoinductive capacity of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) has led to wide use of this material for surgical reconstruction. Preparation of DBM often includes sterilization with ethylene oxide, disinfection with various chemical agents, or irradiation. Exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is used for both sterilization and bleaching of bone, the latter primarily for cosmetic reasons. We investigated the effect of H2O2, on the osteoinductive capacity of DBM. Cortical bone implants prepared from rat femurs were placed into 3% H2O2 solution. Control specimens were not exposed to H2O2. Bones were then lipid-extracted, demineralized, sterilized with ethylene oxide, and freeze-dried in an identical manner. Allografts were implanted into rat hosts for 1 to 3 weeks. Osteoinduction proceeded rapidly in implants not exposed to H2O2, with chondrocytes and new bone appearing in the implant. After 3 weeks, perforations in the implant were largely replaced with new bone. In contrast, osteoinduction did not occur in implants treated with H2O2. Perforations in H2O2-treated implants were filled with vascularized fibrous tissue, but no cartilage or bone. These findings reveal that H2O2 used for disinfection or bleaching of DBM can abolish its osteoinductive capacity in rats.     

An Electron Microscopic Study on the Process of Acid Demineralization of Cortical Bone

Demineralization has been shown to foster osteoinductive properties of cortical bone grafts, yet little is known about the process of demineralization and how to control it. The purpose of this study was to investigate the process of cortical bone demineralization by using scanning electron microscopy to evaluate how hydrochloric acid demineralizes cortical bone. Results showed that in the demineralization of diaphyseal cortical bone specimens using hydrochloric acid, a uniformly thick circumferential band of demineralized bone matrix surrounds an inner undecalcified bone core as the process of demineralization occurs. The interface between the demineralized and mineralized section of the bone specimens was extremely sharp. This interface between demineralized and undemineralized bone was noted to advance as a reaction front with increasing demineralization which resulted in continuous shrinkage of the inner cortical bone core. This study suggests that cortical bone demineralization can be best described using an advancing reaction front theory, and this explanation can be used for implementation of the concept of controlled demineralization. Received: 19 December 1996 / Accepted: 25 April 1997     

Improved osteoinduction of cortical bone allografts: A study of the effects of laser perforation and partial demineralization

Massive cortical bone allografts have been found to incorporate slowly into host bone and thus are subject to complications such as nonunion, fatigue fracture, and infection. To better understand and improve the process of osteoinduction in these types of bone grafts, a new experimental model was developed with use of diaphyseal cortical bone grafts from rat tibiae that were prepared by partial mineralization and drilling of 0.33 mm diameter holes with a pulsed, 2.94 μm wavelength, erbiunr:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. Six types of grafts were analyzed: untreated (Type I), demineralized 25 μm deep (Type II), demineralized 150 μm deep (Type III), laser perforated (Type V), laser perforated and then demineralized 25 μm deep (Type V), and laser perforated and then demineralized 150 μm deep (Type VI). The graft was orthotopically transplanted in the tibia of an adult Sprague-Dawley rat and followed for as long as 4 months. Histologic evaluation at 1 and 4 months postoperatively with use of hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed that there was new bone growth in Types II, III, V, and VI grafts. The amount of growth was estimated by comparing bone mineral density before implantation with values obtained after retrieval of the graft. These measurements were correlated to histomorphometric analysis of graft incorporation. The results show that the processes of partial demineralization (p < 0.000001) and laser perforation with partial demineralization (p < 0.000001) were both significant in enhancing bone growth in this model. New bone growth was significantly increased when the grafts were prepared with extensive demineralization (p < 0.015). This study demonstrates that osteogenesis in cortical bone grafts can be fostered through the process of partial demineralization and laser perforation. To the extent that minimal partial demineralization and laser perforation allow maintenance of Structural integrity while altering the osteoinductive properties in such a way as to promote ingrowth of new bone, this experimental model represents an advance in understanding how osteogenesis in cortical bone grafts may be improved.     

Gamma irradiation and ethylene oxide in the sterilization of native reindeer bone morphogenetic protein extract.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: For human use, it is necessary to sterilize bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), in order to reduce the risk of infections and associated complications. We compared the effects of ethylene oxide and gamma irradiation in the sterilization of native reindeer BMP extract with regard to bone induction in the Balb/C mouse thigh muscle pouch model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BMP extract, sterilized with ethylene oxide gas (Steri-Vac 4XL, temperature 29 degrees C, exposure time 4 h, ethylene oxide concentration 860 mg/l), or gamma irradiation at doses of 3.15 MRad was administered in implants containing 5 or 10 mg of BMP extract with collagen carrier. Non-sterilized collagen implants served as controls. New bone formation was evaluated based on the incorporation of Ca45 and radiographically three weeks after implantation. RESULTS: The collagen was not able to induce new bone visible in radiographs. The mean Ca45 incorporation in the gamma sterilized group containing 5 mg of BMP extract was 30% (p = 0.04) and that containing 10 mg of BMP extract was 60% (p = 0.02) higher than seen in the corresponding ethylene oxide sterilized groups. The mean new bone areas were 45% higher in the gamma sterilized groups than in the corresponding ethylene oxide sterilized groups, but the differences were not significant. The mean optical density of new bone in the gamma sterilized group containing 5 mg of BMP extract was 75% (p = 0.00) and in that containing 10 mg of BMP extract was 70% (p = 0.00) higher than seen in the corresponding ethylene oxide sterilized groups. CONCLUSION: Native reindeer BMP extract is more sensitive to the effects of ethylene oxide gas sterilization than gamma irradiation. These results suggest that gamma irradiation is recommendable for the sterilization of BMP extracts.     

The use of demineralized bone matrix in the repair of segmental defects. Augmentation with extracted matrix proteins and a comparison with autologous grafts

A soluble protein component of bone, bone morphogenetic protein, and decalcified bone matrix have been shown to induce the formation of bone in extraosseous tissue. Clinical and animal studies investigating the use of these materials as bone grafts have shown radiographic and histological evidence of formation of bone, but the clinical usefulness of these grafts remains unknown. This study compared the healing processes when plasma-coated demineralized bone matrix and autologous cancellous bone were used to graft segmental defects of bone. A standard procedure was used to make a two-centimeter defect bilaterally in the ulna of forty-eight skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits. In each rabbit, one ulnar defect was grafted with autologous citrated plasma-coated demineralized bone matrix while the other defect served as a control and was grafted with either autologous cancellous bone from the iliac crest, demineralized bone matrix, or demineralized bone matrix augmented with bone proteins that had been extracted with guanidinium hydrochloride. The ulnar defect was stabilized by the intact radius, and no supplemental device was necessary for fixation. To examine spontaneous healing in this model, one group of rabbits had a control defect that was not grafted. The grafts were periodically evaluated by radiographs, and twelve weeks after surgery the grafts were harvested and tested to failure in a standard torsion-test machine. The mechanical parameters were calculated, and histological examination of major fragments of the grafts was performed. The results of the radiographic and histological evaluation showed that all of the grafted ulnae healed, with fusion of the graft to the cut ends of the defect and reformation of approximately normal anatomy. No ungrafted ulnar defects healed. The results from the mechanical tests were evaluated by comparing the defect that was grafted with plasma-coated demineralized bone matrix with the control graft in each animal. These data showed that: twelve weeks after grafting, the normal ulnae were significantly stronger than the ulnae that had been grafted with plasma-coated demineralized bone matrix; the ulnae that had been grafted with plasma-coated demineralized bone matrix and those that had been grafted with autologous bone were equivalent in strength; and twelve weeks after grafting, grafts of demineralized bone matrix that were augmented with extracted bone proteins were significantly stronger than those that had not been so augmented.     

Ethene oxide and bone induction: Controversy remains

There is controversy as to whether ethene oxide (“ethylene oxide”, EO) sterilization destroys the bone-inducing capacity of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) or not. Correctly performed studies seem to support both opinions. Bone conductive properties of fresh frozen, defatted bone grafts are greatly impaired by EO sterilization, whereas purified inductive proteins resist EO. Studies showing destruction of osteoinductive capacity used nonpulverized DBM, whereas the others used powder. This could be the key to resolving the controversy, because if EO treatment reduces the cells' ability to penetrate a cortical graft and to reach inductive proteins inside it, it may appear noninductive after EO sterilization, even though BMP molecules may be intact. On the other hand, cells could easily penetrate the powder implants.

We compared the effect of EO sterilization on the inductive capacity of demineralized cortical bone with that of DBM powder, using allogeneic material in rats. Cortical pieces lost all inductive capacity by EO sterilization, whereas the powder yielded a calcium content which was at best one fourth of the un-sterilized. The concentrations of residual EO, ethene chlorohydrin and ethene glucol at implantation were far below approved levels. Another difference between studies is the humidity during EO treatment. In our hands, humidification reduced bone yield by half.

In conclusion, EO sterilization may impair the biological performance of bone inductive implants by reducing cell penetration into bulk material. However, DBM powder, when correctly sterilized, also yielded scanty amounts of bone.     

Value of multiple cortical perforations for the rehabilitation of massive deep-frozen bone allografts. Experimental study in sheep]

Incorporation of massive cortical bone allografts in human is slow and remains incomplete. Late biopsies of implanted allografts or histological studies of explanted allografts always show the partial substitution of necrotic bone by new bone from the host. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of drilling the massive deep-frozen cortical allografts in order to induce osteogenesis. Thirteen sheep were operated on and a standard segment of the proximal ulna was removed and the gap filled either by an unperforated allograft or by a perforated one. Based on histological and microradiographic examination, a quite complete substitution of the perforated allografts was observed but in this model no statistically significant difference was observed between perforated and unperforated allografts. Further study is needed to assess the effect of the perforations.     

Effect of gas-plasma sterilization on the osteoinductive capacity of demineralized bone matrix.

The current study evaluated the effect of low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization on the osteoinductive capability of human demineralized bone matrix using a rat model. Twelve athymic rats received three separate implants consisting of steam-sterilized demineralized bone matrix (negative control), sterile-harvest demineralized bone matrix (positive control), and gas-plasma-sterilized demineralized bone matrix. A demineralized bone matrix pellet from each sterilization group was placed individually into one of three separate soft tissue pockets created in the epaxial musculature of each rat. All 12 rats were euthanized 9 weeks after implantation. Each implantation site was removed along with 0.5-cm normal tissue around the implant. Histologic examination was done on each implant site to determine the presence or absence of new bone, cartilage, or bone marrow elements. All 12 sterile harvest demineralized bone matrix sites histologically contained new bone elements, whereas none of the negative control or gas plasma sterilized demineralized bone matrix sites contained any of these same elements. The results of this study indicate that demineralized bone matrix sterilized with low-temperature, gas-plasma sterilization loses its osteoinductive capacity in a manner similar to that of steam-sterilized demineralized bone matrix, making low-temperature, gas- plasma sterilization unsuitable as a method of secondary sterilization of demineralized bone matrix.     

The failure of ethylene oxide gas-sterilized freeze-dried bone graft for thoracic and lumbar spinal fusion

Thirty-seven patients underwent posterior and/or posterolateral spinal fusion using ethylene oxide gas-sterilized freeze-dried bank bone graft. Thirteen patients had discogenic back pain, eight with prior failed laminectomy procedures, and five undergoing initial spinal surgery. Six patients had isthmic spondylolisthesis, three with associated radicular complaints, and two patients had degenerative spondylolisthesis. Seven patients with spinal fractures and nine patients with scoliosis underwent spinal fusion with associated instrumentation. Pseudarthroses were detected in 28 patients (76%), and 18 patients (49%) underwent pseudarthrosis repair procedures using autogenous iliac bone graft. At surgery, the prior gas-sterilized freeze-dried bone graft was noted to have been almost completely resorbed. Ethylene oxide sterilization has been found experimentally in animal models to damage the osteoinductive ability of bone grafts. Ethylene oxide gas-sterilized freeze-dried bank bone graft is inferior to autogenous bone graft or bank bone graft preserved and/or sterilized by other methods. Its use in thoracic or lumbar posterior or posterolateral fusion cannot be recommended.     

Hand reconstruction with allograft demineralized bone: twenty-six implants in twelve patients.

A long-term study of 26 phalangeal or metacarpal defects that were reconstructed with allogeneic demineralized bone implants demonstrates healing comparable to that which follows autogenous bone grafting. Average follow-up was 54 months. Five patients had multiple enchondromas (Ollier's syndrome), five children had congenital hand deformities, and all of these had previously had bone grafts harvested for associated craniofacial reconstructions. With the use of demineralized bone implants, tourniquet and operative times were significantly reduced and potential donor site morbidity was eliminated. Further, regional anesthesia was used more frequently and hospitalization time was reduced. There were no postoperative complications. Demineralized bone implants have been particularly useful in patients who previously had refused bone grafting.     

Ethylene oxide sterilization of bone grafts: Residual gas concentration and fibroblast toxicity

We examined the concentration of ethylene oxide in bone allografts after gas sterilization. Chips of the human femoral head were investigated. Residual gas concentration was determined by gas chromatography after the bone chips had been subjected to defatting and freeze-drying, followed by ethylene oxide gas sterilization. Bones were prepared in various ways in an attempt to reduce the concentration of residual ethylene oxide. The concentration was higher when gas sterilization was performed before freeze-drying than when it was done afterwards. An experiment performed with fibroblasts showed the high toxicity of residual ethylene oxide in bone chips, even when the concentration was very low. The growth of fibroblast was reduced more in medium which had been shaken with bones sterilized with ethylene oxide before freeze-drying than in medium which had been shaken with bones sterilized after freeze-drying. The higher residual ethylene oxide concentrations resulted in a decrease in fibroblastic culture activity. Our experiment showed the importance of reducing the residual ethylene oxide gas concentration. Defatting and freeze-drying result in lower residual ethylene oxide concentrations.     

游离带关节的第二足趾复合组织移植修复手指关节洞穿伤

目的 探讨应用带关节的第二足趾复合组织移植修复手指关节洞穿伤的疗效.方法 2001年7月至2008年1月,应用带血供的第二足趾复合组织游离移植修复14例洞穿伤造成的手指不同部位复合组织缺损患者,男11例,女3例;平均年龄25.4岁.应用第二足趾近侧趾间关节全关节移植5例,半关节移植3例;应用第二足趾跖趾关节全关节移植2例,半关节移植4例.术后2周开始进行康复功能锻炼.结果 1 例小指掌指关节部位缺损移植患者皮瓣部分坏死,经换药后伤口愈合,术后8个月随访,掌指关节愈合良好;其余13例患者移植复合组织均一期成活,术后经6～15个月(平均11个月)随访,移植骨关节愈合良好,无骨不连、骨畸形愈合等发生,无关节退行性变现象出现,移植手指功能恢复满意,伤指均可完成对指动作.按照中华医学会手外科学分会手功能评价标准评定:优4例,良6例,可4例.结论 应用游离第二足趾复合组织移植修复手指关节洞穿伤,可一次手术完成骨、关节、肌腱、皮肤等复合组织的缺损修复,最大限度地恢复伤指关节功能.     

Effect of sterilization on osteoinduction. Comparison of five methods in demineralized rat bone

The aim of this study was to find a safe, effective sterilization method that does not destroy the bone-inductive capacity of demineralized bone implants. Five sterilizing agents were tested in rats. Implants procured and processed under sterile conditions served as controls. New bone formation was evaluated by determining dry weight, calcium content, and Sr-85 incorporation of the induced ossicles. Glutaraldehyde solution, formaldehyde gas, and ethylene oxide destroyed almost all the bone-inductive capacity. Irradiation by 2.5 Mrads Co-60 resulted in a loss of about half of the inductive capacity. Merthiolate (0.18 per cent) was the only sterilizing agent that did not reduce the bone-inductive capacity of the demineralized implants. Because merthiolate is not sporicidal, gamma irradiation appears to be the most appropriate sterilizing agent for demineralized bone in clinical use.     

Bone grafts prepared with selective cell retention technology heal canine segmental defects as effectively as autograft.

Using a canine critical-size segmental defect model, a two-phased study was undertaken to evaluate the healing efficacy of demineralized bone and cancellous chips (DBM-CC) enriched with osteoprogenitor cells using a Selective Cell Retention (SCR) technology. The goals of this study were: 1) to determine the bone-healing efficacy of SCR-enriched grafts versus autograft, and 2) to assess the value of clotting SCR-enriched grafts with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Thirty dogs were included in Phase I: 18 dogs were treated with an SCR-enriched DBM-CC graft clotted with autologous bone marrow, and were compared to 12 autograft controls. In Phase II, 24 animals were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals, each treated with a different bone graft material: 1) iliac crest autograft, 2) DBM-CC alone, 3) DBM-CC saturated with marrow, and 4) SCR-enriched DBM-CC clotted with PRP. All grafts were placed unilaterally in a 21-mm long osteoperiosteal femoral, instrumented, critical-size defect. Radiographs were obtained for all animals postoperatively and every 4-16 weeks; animals were then sacrificed. All femurs were prepared for histology. Femurs in the Phase II study were also analyzed by micro-CT. At 16 weeks, healing--defined by bridging bone across the defects--was observed in 50% of the DBM-CC alone group and 67% of the DBM-CC saturated with marrow group; 100% of the autograft and SCR-enriched DBM-CC groups were healed. Histologically, grafts clotted with PRP showed more mature bone than those implanted with autologous bone, which in turn were similar to those implanted with bone marrow clotted SCR-enriched grafts. These results demonstrated that: 1) SCR-enriched DBM-CC was equivalent to autograft to repair critical-size defects, and 2) while not statistically significant, PRP may have accelerated bone maturation when used to clot osteoprogenitor-enriched DBM-CC grafts--as compared to cell-enriched, DBM-CC grafts without PRP--in large animal models.     

Einfluß verschiedener Knochendesinfektions- und Sterilisationsverfahren auf die Osteoblastenfunktion Eine vergleichende In-vitro-Studie

All sterilization and disinfection procedures for bone grafts are different in regard to influence of bone graft features, which may influence the function of different cell types. We used an in-vitro approach to assess the influence of bone matrix, which was sterilized or disinfected, on osteoblastic activities in-vitro by simulating a cell-transplant-interface. Primary bovine osteoblast cell cultures were established from periosteum. Bone graft specimens made of bovine cortical bone (O 15 mm, 300 microns thickness) were treated in 5 different ways: autoclaved, ethylene-oxide-sterilized, demineralized and low-temperature-plasma-sterilized (DEM-LTP), chemically sterilized (modified Tutoplast method), and 80 degrees C-temperature disinfected. The following cell function parameters were assayed: plating efficiency proliferation by measuring the DNA-content, and MTT-activity, soluble protein and extracellular matrix synthesis, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin expression. All disinfected bone grafts were biocompatible with primary periosteal osteoblasts. Measured cell activities upon bone specimens showed better results than cells of the plastic surface control. The DEM-LTP-bone showed better results in comparison to other groups, and stimulated the proliferation and differentiation.     

海绵状、泥灰状脱钙骨基质修复骨缺损

目的探讨海绵状脱钙骨基质(DBM)和泥灰状DBM修复骨缺损的能力。方法将兔四肢长骨骨干脱脂、脱钙后制成长度为500～1000 μm的纤维状及直径为200～400μm的颗粒状DBM,并与2%明胶混合分别制成海绵状DBM和泥灰状DBM。在9只兔双侧桡骨中段做一长10mm的骨膜骨缺损,分别植入海绵状DBM和泥灰状DBM及空白对照,每组各6个缺损,术后观察6周,于4、6周时拍摄X线片,并对实验动物的大体标本、骨密度、生物力学、新生骨矿化率及病理组织学改变进行观察。结果术后4、6周X线片显示两实验组骨缺损均修复,骨髓腔完整;空白对照组无一例修复骨缺损。骨密度测量显示海绵状DBM组新生骨骨密度与正常桡骨间差异无显著性(P >0.05),但泥灰状DBM组的新生骨骨密度与正常桡骨间差异有显著性(P< 0.05)。术后6周生物力学测定显示海绵状DBM组新生骨极限压缩强度值与正常桡骨差异无显著性(P >0.05),泥灰状DBM组低于正常桡骨且差异有显著性(P< 0.05)。两实验组新生骨矿化率差异无显著性(P >0.05)。组织学观察显示两实验组中DBM绝大部分被吸收,形成板状骨骨小梁及完整的骨髓腔,塑形完整, 新生骨内可见骨单位及局部尚未完全骨化的新生骨。结论海绵状DBM和泥灰状DBM均具有诱导成骨活性和骨传导能力,使用方便,新生骨塑形完整,生物力学强度高,矿化     

Quincke's edema in a dialysis patient after administration of acrylic bone cement: possible role of ethylene oxide allergy

A 33-year-old female dialysis patient suffered from osteomyelitis and luxation of the dens axis with cervical myelopathy. In the past she had had three attacks of anaphylaxis after treatment with dialyzers that had been sterilized with ethylene oxide. IgE-type antibodies directed against human serum albumin-ethylene oxide complexes could be demonstrated in the patient's serum by radioallergosorbent techniques. Immediately after an operation in which acrylic bone cement (Palacos-R) sterilized with ethylene oxide was implanted for stabilization of the cervical spine, the patient developed massive edema of the larynx, pharynx, and tongue, suggesting Quincke's edema. It is concluded that ethylene oxide present in acrylic bone cement may induce acute allergic reactions in sensitized patients. Dialysis patients may be at special risk, since the incidence of ethylene oxide allergy in this patient population is about 10%.     

Bone healing regulated by nitric oxide: an experimental study in rats

Nitric oxide has many functions in wound healing and metabolism of bone. In the current study the role of nitric oxide on bone healing was investigated. Thirty-six young adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control, nitroso-bovine serum albumin, and aminoguanidine. Five millimeter segmental defects were created in the middle of the right femora. A polyethylene plate and screw posts were used for rigid fixation. Demineralized bone matrix served as the graft material in all groups. Nitroso-bovine serum albumin (an active nitric oxide congener) carried by demineralized bone matrix was applied locally at the defect in the nitroso-bovine serum albumin group. Aminoguanidine (an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) group received oral aminoguanidine treatment. Formation and healing of bone were determined by radiographic and histologic analyses. In comparison to the control group the healing rate was faster in both experimental groups as indicated by radiographic and histologic data. If accompanied by bone graft with a suitable delivery system, nitric oxide may be useful as a therapeutic adjuvant in clinical situations when local formation of bone is needed. Moreover, when combined appropriately, treatment with orthotopic nitric oxide supplementation and systemic inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibition may enhance bone healing.