Core decompression combined with implantation of β-tricalcium phosphate modified by a BMSC affinity cyclic peptide for the treatment of early osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Early intervention of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is very important. At present, the therapeutic effect on early ONFH is not completely satisfactory. D7 peptide has special affinity towards bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC). Taking advantage of the adsorption/freeze-drying strategy, we constructed D7 cyclic peptide-modified beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) scaffolds. The functional beta-TCP scaffolds can enhance adhesion, spreading and proliferation of BMSCs compared with unmodified beta-TCP scaffolds, which was comfired in cytological experiments. In rabbit model of early ONFH, functional beta-TCP scaffolds were stuffed into the cavities after core decompression (CD). Radiographic and histological examination confirmed that CD followed by filling of functional beta-TCP scaffolds can obviously improve the therapeutic effect of early ONFH. Our study provides a new option for curing early ONFH.