The Role of Synthetic Calcium Carbonate and Bone Marrow Combination in Healing Process of Critical Size of Redial Bone in Rabbits

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the regenerative potential of synthetic calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) combined with bone marrow (BM) for treating extensive bone defects in a rabbit model. Critical-sized radial defects were surgically created and treated either with CaCO₃ alone or with CaCO₃ enriched with autologous BM harvested from the iliac crest. Postoperative monitoring included clinical observations, radiological assessments, and histological analyses to compare healing outcomes between the groups. The results demonstrated that adding BM enhanced the repair process, indicated by faster and more uniform new bone formation. Radiographic scoring showed greater bone regeneration in the CaCO₃ + BM group compared to CaCO₃ alone, although this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Histological sections confirmed improved osteogenesis, characterized by abundant osteoblast activity, increased vascular infiltration, and more advanced integration of the biomaterials with host tissue. In contrast, defects treated with CaCO₃ alone showed slower and incomplete repair, with some areas exhibiting persistent fibrous tissue. These findings support the notion that BM supplies essential osteoprogenitor cells and growth factors that work synergistically with the osteoconductive properties of CaCO₃, thereby accelerating bone regeneration. Overall, combining CaCO₃ with BM presents a promising and effective strategy that could enhance clinical outcomes in both veterinary and human bone reconstructive surgery.