Dolph Houben

90 CHAPTER 4 Conclusions We demonstrate a technique useful for the experimental evaluation of bone only VCA with results consistent with an earlier preliminary report [17] . Two weeks’ immunosuppression is sufficient to maintain transplant viability with a triphasic Doppler signal in all animals until four weeks after transplantation. At six weeks the signal diminishes and after 10 weeks none of the vascular pedicles remained patent. Significant periosteal new bone formed by the allotransplant seen in both groups and the lack of significant differences in bone healing scores between groups suggests that this initial blood flow is responsible for much of the observed bone healing. Bone material properties of the allotransplant differ from normal bone but are not affected by the use of an AV-bundle. Thus, no adverse effect was seen by bone mechanical properties in the allotransplanted bone by the use of an AV-bundle. Bone mineral density was maintained after transplantation. Mean values were highest in the normal bone, followed by bone VCA treated with a patent AV-bundle. Both were larger than bone without a patent AV-bundle. Bone remodeling properties of the allotransplant were significantly better in the patent AV-bundle group. Bone VCA can safely be performed in a porcine animal model with reproducible results. More research should be performed to further evaluate the systemic and local immune response and repopulation of the allotransplant.