STUDIES ON THE EFFICACY OF STEM CELL SEEDED ON Β- TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE FOR FRACTURE HEALING IN GOATS

Twelve clinical cases of goats having long bone fracture presented at College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Jabalpur, were included in the present study. These animals were randomly divided into two groups. Fracture segment of group I were immobilized by dynamic compression plate (DCP). In group II fracture immobilization was done as in group I and the gap between the fracture segments was filled by mesenchymal stem cells(BMMSCs) seeded on β-tricalcium phosphate scaffold. Fracture healing was evaluated on the basis of inflammation, exudation, pain, weight bearing and radiographic interpretation. Goat mesenchymal stem cells were established from bone marrow aspirates under aseptic conditions. Fibroblast like appearance of MSCs was observed after 3-4 days of seeding. Early cessation of inflammation, exudation and pain was observed in group II as compared to group I. Significant increase in weight bearing was observed from 7th day onwards in group II, while from 15th day onwards in group I. Complete weight bearing by all the goats was observed on 45th day in group II and 90th day in group I. Radiographic interpretation on 7th post-operative day revealed periosteal reaction on the fractured segment adjoining the fracture line in group II. On 30th post-operative day high density radiopaque area was visible at the fracture site in group II. Radiograph of 45th day in group II revealed more organized periosteal as well as intercortical callus, which reduced on 60th day, indicative of initiation of remodelling. On 90th day, homogenous bone with patent bone marrow was observed, indicative of completion of healing process in group II.