Jon P. Moseley

Measurement of bone morphogenetic proteins and other growth factors in demineralized bone matrix.

Osteoinductivity of demineralized bone matrix has been attributed to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP). Other growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), have also been detected in demineralized bone matrix. Success of bone graft substitutes containing demineralized bone matrix has been assumed to be closely associated with osteoinductivity of the demineralized bone matrix. Because of differences in bone characteristics between donors and tissue banks, confirmation and measurement of osteoinductivity may play a crucial role in predicting the success of the bone graft substitute. In the current studies, BMP-2, BMP-4, TGF-beta1, and IGF-1 were measured in demineralized bone matrix. A strong association was noted between BMP-2 and TGF-beta1 levels. A strong association was also found between BMP-2 and new bone formation in an ectopic nude rat model.

Effects of altered crystalline structure and increased initial compressive strength of calcium sulfate bone graft substitute pellets on new bone formation

A new, modified calcium sulfate has been developed with a different crystalline structure and a compressive strength similar to many calcium phosphate materials, but with a resorption profile only slightly slower than conventional surgical-grade calcium sulfate. A canine bilateral defect model was used to compare restoration of defects treated with the modified calcium sulfate compared to treatment using conventional calcium sulfate pellets after 6, 13, and 26 weeks. The modified calcium sulfate pellets were as effective as conventional calcium sulfate pellets with regard to the area fraction and compressive strength of newly formed bone in the treated bone defects. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the initial compressive strength of the modified material was increased nearly three-fold compared to that of conventional surgical-grade calcium sulfate. This increase potentially allows for its use in a broader range of clinical applications, such as vertebral and subchondral defects.

Evaluation of a synthetic bone defect test model to aid in the selection of materials for use in vertebral body compression fracture repair.

A synthetic test model was developed to assist in screening injectable cements with a focus on mechanical strength for vertebral body compression fracture repair. The two-part defect model consisted of a polyurethane foam cube to simulate trabecular bone and a defect to which various injectable cements could be introduced. In addition, a finite element analysis model was developed and the results were compared to laboratory testing. Agreement was found between the finite element analysis and test results. Once the finite element analysis model was validated with experimental data, an additional finite element analysis was conducted to study various parameters affecting mechanical performance such as simulated bone and cement stiffness. Finite element analysis models were also created using orthotropic bone properties typical of healthy trabecular bone and were compared to various foam stiffnesses. The foam model was a good in vitro representation of actual trabecular bone found in vertebral bodies and is a valid model to evaluate the mechanical strength of injectable cements for percutaneous vertebral body fracture repair.