The impact of four harvesting techniques on the cell viability and osteogenic behaviour of cells in autogenous bone grafts : a critical appraisal of an experimental study

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.