Bioresorbable Polylactide (PLA) Beads as Autogenous Blood Composite Implants to Promote Bone-Tendon Integration: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were to assess whether a pliable paste consisting of microporous bioresorbable polylactide (PLA) beads and autogenous peripheral blood used to fill vacant areas in the tunnels drilled in the proximal tibial metaphysis of the rabbits promotes tendon healing.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen rabbits were divided into 4 groups. The animals were either implanted with a tendon graft and the bone tunnel was augmented with the pliable paste consisting of PLA beads and blood (PLA-blood paste) or implanted with a tendon graft without the PLA-blood paste.
RESULTS: At 6 and 12 weeks after implantation, the PLA-blood paste had increased the amount of bone deposition. The new bone mainly formed in the areas where the PLA-blood paste was in direct contact with both the bone in the tunnel wall and the outer surface of the tendon.
CONCLUSIONS: The PLA paste facilitated the formation of new bone in a rabbit model.

Keywords: Bone Substitutes, Osseointegration, Soft Tissue Injuries