Aim: Bone grafts and bone graft substitutes are often used at radical surgical procedures such as; trauma, congenital anomalies, tumor surgery, bone infections, revision arthroplasty surgery, spinal surgery. However autograft and allograft bone are frequently used, they have some limitations. ABM/P-15 (Pepgen P-15) is a combination of anorganic bovine derived hydroxyapa-tite matrix coupled with a synthetic-cell binding peptide (P-15). This tissue engineered particulate bone replacement graft has been established for the treatment of periodontal osseous defects. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of ABM/P-15 on the healing of a critical sized segmental defect in rat radius.

Methods: 36 Wistar rats were used at this study. A critical sized segmental defect was created in each rat radius. 13 defects were filled with ABM/P-15 Flow (putty form), 12 defects were filled with ABM/P-15, and 11 defects were used as a control group. The rats were killed at 10 weeks. The healing of defects was evaluated with radiographic and histological studies.

Results: The use of ABM/P-15 and ABM/P-15 Flow were demonstrated improved healing of segmental bone defects in rat radius on radiographic and histological studies compared with control group. Statistical evaluation showed that there were significant differences between control sites, and sites treated with P-15 and P-15 Flow (p< 0.005). The highest radiological and histological grades were achieved by P-15. Osteogenic proliferation was seen at the P-15 group more than P-15 flow.

Conclusion: Segmental cortical bone defects may be treated with ABM/P-15 instead of bone allografts, and autografts. According to the radiologic and histological parameters measured in this study, the implantation of ABM/P-15 resulted in optimum healing of the segmental cortical bone defects.

Aims: Degradation of articular cartilage in gonarthritis seems to be modiþable pharmacologically. For these to be helpful, early diagnosis is essential. Weight bearing radiograms obtained at various degrees of ßexion, have shown to provide more information about joint space narrowing (JSN). Methods: Between March and November 2001, 28 consecutive patients whom have been admitted to hospital for knee surgery due to knee osteoarthritis, enrolled for study. Their mean age was 57.5 years (in range of 35–78). Extension weight bearing A/P, lateral and tangential views were made on standard examinations. 30û Flexion standing P/A, and at 45û ßexion standing P/A knee xÐrays were made with the consent of patient. Surgical þndings of the cartilage (Outerbridge classiþcation) were compared with radiological þndings. Results: The statistical evaluations revealed that there is no signiþcant correlation between JSN and observed clinical osteoarthritis level at MFC, LFC, and LTP. A signiþcant correlation was found between the degree of JSN measured at weight-bearing A/P, 30û ßexion P/A and 45û ßexion P/A radiographs and the degree of cartilage degradation at MTP (p< 0.05). The semifelxion radiograms were found to demonstrate Conclusions: Radiograms taken at weight-bearing semißexed positions are more effective than standing A/P knee x-rays, in demonstrating the JSN, and JSN þnding is associated only with the medial compartment gon-arthritis. We concluded that the degree of ßexion (30û–45û) during radiographic examination is not an important factor and for the evaluation of the lateral compartment new positions should be deþned.