Autologous uncultured bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells and modified cannulated screw in repair of femoral neck fracture

The purpose of this study was to assess whether autologous uncultured bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) combined with modified cannulated screw would accelerate the healing of canine femoral neck fracture. BMMNCs were encapsulated within fibrin glue (FG) and implanted into the fractured femoral neck via modified cannulated screw in experiment group, and the control group was treated by modified cannulated screw. Gross observation, radiological examination, histological analysis, and blood vessel microdensity counting were used to compare bone healing of each group at 1, 2, and 3 months. FG was confirmed as an ideal cell-delivery vehicle for BMMNCs proliferation and differentiation in vitro testing. In vivo animal testing, faster new bone formation and fracture healing were confirmed by gross observation, radiological examination, histological analysis in experimental group than in control group at all times points. The blood vessel microdensity counting increased gradually both in the experimental group and control group, but was more obviously in experimental group at 3 months (p<0.01). These data suggest that autologous BMMNCs combined with modified cannulated screw treatment is an effective therapy for femoral neck fracture and thus, may be an option for clinical applications. (c) 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1302-1307, 2013