Stability changes after cryosurgery in long tubular bones in correlation to histological results: an animal trial

F Popken, J W-P Michael, K Zarghooni, R Sobottke, H-U Kasper, D Blaecker, A Niehoff, F Emrich, P Eysel

Publication: Contribution to journalJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION: Pathologic bone fractures in cryosurgery of bone tumors have been described in literature. This study utilizing a sheep model should prove the possible reduction of potential fracture while using a new miniature cryoprobe minimizing tissue damage and providing accurate control of the ablation process. Furthermore, postoperative histological changes should be investigated and the results correlated with the stability trials.

METHODS: In 24 sheep, ablation of the femur and the tibial bone on one side was carried out. Ablation of the right femur was limited to an area of 2 cm(2) with single cortical bone, whereas at the left tibia the whole proximal tibial plateau was included. The other side served as a control entity without cryoablation. After a period of 2, 4, and 6 months postoperative investigation of bending resistance of the femoral bone and of compression resistance of the tibial bone as well as histological findings were done in eight animals each.

RESULTS: After 2 months there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) regarding compression resistance between the treated and the contralateral tibia, whereas the bending resistance in the treated femur was slightly lower than on the contralateral side. After 4 and 6 months the cryo-treated part showed a tendency towards weakness. Histological findings showed bone necrosis with slight beginning repair after 2 months. Four and six months later, bone necrosis still existed with increasing development of woven bone and conversion into lamellar bone.

DISCUSSION: A thorough control of the freezing process and the low iatrogenous weakening of the bone due to placing the probe when modern miniature cryoprobes are used can minimize the risk of pathological postoperative fractures. However, at least 2 months after operation there is histological proof of bone healing with appropriate reduction of bone stability, which should be considered for the clinical application of this new technique.

Original languageEnglish
JournalArchives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
Volume129
Issue number6
Pages (from-to)857-862
Number of pages6
ISSN0936-8051
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.06.2009

Research areas and keywords

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Bone Neoplasms
  • Bone Remodeling
  • Cryosurgery
  • Femur
  • Fractures, Spontaneous
  • Osteonecrosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Sheep
  • Tensile Strength
  • Tibia

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Stability changes after cryosurgery in long tubular bones in correlation to histological results: an animal trial'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Citation