The Role of Induced Membrane in Bone Defect

Reconstruction of bone defects including secondary bone loss caused by chronic osteomyelitis, tumor excision, and traumatic bone defect, posttraumatic septic or aseptic nonunion remains a major challenge. There is an unequivocal need for novel approaches to improve the management bone defects. However, induced membrane produced by polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and another material (for example, calcium phosphate cement) is capable of repairing bone defects. The repairing processes leading to bone healing are associated with the growth and osteoinduction factors secreted by induced membrane. The induced membrane is composed of the interior synovial-like epithelium and the exterior layer of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and type I collagen. Increasing evidence indicated that induced membrane is a potential resource for bone reconstruction and bone defect reestablishment. In this review, we reviewed the latest progress in the identification and validation of the relationship between bone formation and induced membrane and discussed the functions of induced membrane in bone defects.