Bone Healing Promotion by Negatively Charged Polysterene Microspheres

Bone healing under optimal conditions is fairly predictable. Yet when the healing process is disturbed by inadequate immobilization, inadequate blood supply, or scar tissue, little therapeutic alternatives to surgery exist. It appears that redistribution of electric charges along the bone during a callus consolidation promotes bone healing. It has been shown in the past that negatively charged polysterene spheres promote bone growth in animal models. In this preliminary report, we tested weather or not a commercial device of negatively charged polysterene spheres promotes bone healing in a porcine model. This preliminary study seems to suggest that the negatively charged polystyrene microspheres may have a potential in promoting bone healing, either alone or as an adjunct to other bone graft materials. These speculations should be further validated by large-scale studies in animal models and clinical trials.