Abstract:
The investigators tested the null hypothesis that there would be no differences between the
different bone harvesting techniques with regard to cell viability, cell activity and osteogenic
potential of grafted cells. Bone grafts were harvested from the mandibles of 12 miniature pigs
using four different harvesting techniques: bone milling, bone scraping, bone drilling (bone
slurry) and piezosurgery. Cell viability was determined according to an immunoassay of
released signalling molecules and gene expression that affect bone formation and resorption.
The osteogenic activity of conditioned graft-sampled media was assessed in a bioassay using
isolated bone cells. Cells in autogenous bone grafts obtained by using a bone mill and a
bone scraper showed a higher viability and a stronger osteogenic potential than those from
piezosurgery and bone drilling (slurry). This study contributed towards the understanding of
the impact of harvesting techniques on the viability and osteogenic behaviour of grafted cells.
