Introduction: morcelized defatted bone-Bank graft (MOD-B) has been employed in 249 patients for different diseases in Rizzoli Institute from 1998 to 2002. 82 hip revisions, 51 spine fusions, 50 osteolitic bone cavities, 47 non-unions). Good results obtained with MOD-B have been the reason for different researches of his properties like an antibiotic carrier and, in the same time, a particular new bone graft.

Material and Methods:

MOD-B with antibiotic powder and PMMA Cylinders (A-MB-C) have been placed in saline solution and plasma for 4 weeks, compared with cylinders made with PMMA and antibiotic.

The mechanical resistance of A-MB-C to compressive test has been performed subsequently.

About biocompatibility, A-MB-C were implanted in sheep’s Ilium. After 3 moths an histologic evaluation has been performed.

Results:

The MOD-B + antibiotic + PMMA have released the higher quantity of antibiotic for all the 4 weeks.

The A-MB-C resistance has been of 13.6 MPa, the same resistance of cancellous bone in the man’s femur.

The histological result with a fluoroscopic microscope has been an osteogenesis in the full section of the cylinders.

Conclusions: morcelized defatted bone-Bank graft is an important opportunity to restore bone loss lesions but, with a septic situation, it is not so easy obtain good results. A very important goal would be to have a graft with good antibiotic deliver system, good mechanical compressive strength and the potential capacity to become new living bone.