OBJECTIVETo evaluate the repairing effect of the rabbits radial defects of by polyester/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds prepared by rapid forming technology loaded with bovine BMP, and find a new carrier for growth factor.

METHODSPolyester/Tricalcium phosphate scaffolds prepared by rapid prototyping (RP) technology loaded with and without bovine BMP were used to repair the 15 mm radial defect of rabbit. Then results of radiography, histology, scaffolds degrade rates and bone density were appraised to examine the repairing effects of the scaffolds at 12 weeks.

RESULTSAt 12 weeks, all defects treated with bBMP were radiographically repaired. No radii implanted polyester/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds alone showed radiographic and historical union. At experimental groups, longitudinal alignment of lamellar structure was observed histologically at 12 weeks, indicating that remodeling of regenerated bone almost completed, the scaffolds degradation rates were different by 12 weeks, and no abnormalities were observed in the surrounding soft tissue in all groups.

CONCLUSIONPolyester/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds prepared by rapid prototyping technology loaded with bovine BMP can repair the rabbits radical defects. As for the effects, the poly (L-lactic-co-glycolide)/tricalcium phosphate (PLGA/TCP) scaffold are ideal and better than poly (L-lacide-co-D, L-lactide)/tricalcium phosphate (PDLLA/TCP) scaffold, but the poly (L-lactic acid)/tricalcium phosphate (PLLA/TCP) is not so good for its low degradation rates.