Carbon and polyester fibers as a scaffold for bone repair: Studies of segmentary implants in the rabbit radius

Abstract

To determine the function in the repair of bone defects, implants of carbon and polyester fibers of comparable dimensions were used to replace a 2-cm long segment of the radius of 29 rabbits. The healing process was analyzed by scintigraphic, radiographic, and histologic methods after periods of 15–90 days, comparing the results with a control group without implants. In the rabbit, carbon and polyester fibers did not induce repair of bone defects, although they did permit invasion of the implant during the later stages.