Polylactide membranes and sponges in the treatment of segmental defects in rabbit radii

Long segmental diaphyseal bone loss exceeding the size of a critical defect and resulting from various conditions is currently treated by complicated methods such as distraction osteogenesis or vascularized bone graft. These methods have significant complications and the supply of implants is limited so there is a demand for bone substitutes of unlimited supply. In the present study, segmental defects exceeding a critical size defect in rabbit radii were successfully treated with polylactide membranes and sponges. Resorbable polymers solely or in combination with osteogenic agents or angiogenic agents have great potential to become bone substitutes suitable for the treatment of long segmental defects in humans.