Non-union or delayed-union is common complication in small animal orthopedics. Recent studies shows bone marrow contains mesenchymal stem cells, which enhance bone regeneration to differentiate into osteoblasts. In this study, auto-transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) was performed for delayed-union cases of a cat (Japanese cat, 4 months) and a dog (toy poodle, 8 months) and evaluated radiologically. BMSCs were aspirated from femur, expanded and transplanted around the fracture at 1, 2, 3 weeks after the re-operation. In each case, callus union was observed until 2 months. These results suggested that BMSCs transplantation might be effective for delayed-union cases.
View full abstract