A Method for the Investigation of Bone Transplants, Ceramics, and Other Material in a Human Bony Layer

Abstract

Surgical literature includes a wide variety of models for systematic research into the process of bony ingrowth, the rebuilding of bone, and the various reactions of bone. All such studies have been carried out on animals as the only object of research [2, 4, 8]. Depending on the specific reaction of the bone being investigated, different methods are described, such as hole drilling, segmental resections comparing sides, fenestration of bone segments, and transplanting complete parts of bones and joints. To the present, however, there has been no research model of this kind with regard to the specific reactions in man. Any clinical research, i.e., research in man, is justified only if it shows therapeutic effects. The handicap is thus that, while investigating the scientific problem, the research itself must be a success in a therapeutic sense.