A New Anionic Bovine Tendon as Scaffold for the Repair of Bone Defects: A Morphological, Histomorphometric and Immunohistochemical Study

Aim: The process of bone repair is of evident importance in both the clinical and functional spheres. For this reason, the field of bioengineering has taken it as an object of study, seeking to perfect the implantation of materials that allow for adequate bone neoformation. This study investigated the process of bone repair after anionic bovine tendon grafting in rat tibias by conducting a morphological, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical study.

Methodology: The experimental model consisted of 36 rats randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CG, n=18), in which a surgical cavity in the tibia was filled with blood clots; and an experimental group (EG, n=18), in which a surgical cavity in the tibia was filled with an anionic bovine tendon graft. In the experimental group, the major axis of the collagen fiber bundle was placed perpendicularly to the long axis of the tibia. Microscopic, morphometric and immunohistochemical evaluations were conducted at 7, 15, and 30 days postoperative.

Results: The analyzes showed an increase in bone neoformation in the experimental group during the assessed periods. There was a significant difference between day 7 and day 30 and evident vascular proliferation was detected by the immunohistochemical analysis.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the anionic bovine tendon collagen proved to be an adequate and biocompatible material for bone regeneration, with osteogenic capabilities that allow it to be used as a scaffold for bone repair.