Masquelet Technique: Effects of Topical Mechanical Stability on the Formation of Masquelet Membrane in a Rabbit Radial Defect Model

Abstract Purpose The Masquelet technique is a commonly treatment strategy for segmental bone defects. Still, the exact generating mechanism is unknown. This study intends to explore the effects of topical mechanical stability on the formation of Masquelet membrane. Methods Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were evenly randomized into three groups. Segmental left radius shaft defect (length, 9 mm) was created in all rabbits. Bone defects were filled with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in Non-fixation group, and with PMMA fixed with plates in Fixation group, and subjected to no disposal in control group. The stability of PMMA and plates were monitored via X-ray. And the membranes were excised for further Histological, IHC (Ki67, COL I, and CD31), and Western-Blotting analysis (RUNX2, ALP, VEGFA, and TGF-β1), 4 and 6 weeks post-operatively Results X-ray revealed no sign of plates loosening, or shift of PMMA. Pathological examinations suggested that vascularized and osteogenic membranes were formed around PMMA. IHC and Western-Blotting analysis revealed that both Fixation and Non-fixation group exerted significant effects on the expression of Ki67, COL I, and CD31 positive cells, as well as the protein expression of osteogenic (RUNX2, ALP) and angiogenic (VEGFA, TGF-β1) factors. And compared with membrane in Non-fixation group, Fixing PMMA spacer with plates caused a significant increase in osteogenic and angiogenic expression, 4 and 6 weeks post-operatively. Conclusion The present study indicates that rigid fixation provided by internal plate in Masquelet technique positively alters the quality of membrane formed surrounding PMMA, in terms of significantly osteogenic and angiogenic potential.