J Vet Sci.  2020 Nov;21(6):e90. 10.4142/jvs.2020.21.e90.

Can bone marrow aspirate improve mandibular fracture repair in camels (Camelus dromedarius)? A preliminary study

• Al-Sobayil F
• Sadan MA
• El-Shafaey ES
• Ahmed AF

• KMID: 2509156
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2020.21.e90

Abstract

Background
Mandibular fractures are common in camels, leading to considerable economic losses. This study explored methods of improving mandibular fractures repair, adjuvant with interdental wire, or bone plate fixation. Autologous bone marrow (BM) injection enhances osteogenesis and rapid healing.
Objectives
To investigate the effect of autologous BM aspirate as an adjuvant treatment for repairing mandibular fractures in camels with interdental wire, or bone plate fixation.
Methods
Thirty dromedary camels aged 5–8 years and of both sexes were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups: group 1 (n = 10) treated with stainless steel wire fixation and BM injection at the fracture line, group 2 (n = 10) treated with plate fixation and BM injection at the fracture line, group 3 (n = 5) treated with stainless steel bone wire fixation and placebo saline injection at the fracture line, and group 4 (n = 5) treated with plate fixation and placebo injection at the fracture line. The mandibular fractures were followed weekly for 12 weeks postoperatively to assess improvement and healing based on clinical evaluation, radiographic union scale, and bone turnover markers (i.e., bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, pyridinoline, and deoxypyridinoline).
Results
Compared to other groups, elevated bone turnover markers in group 1 were demonstrated (p < 0.05) on the seventh postoperative day. Likewise, compared to other groups, both clinical findings and radiographic union scale significantly improved (p < 0.05) in group 1 on the 56th postoperative day.
Conclusions
BM aspirate has a promising beneficial osteogenic effect on mandibular fracture repair in camels, most notably when combined with interdental wire fixation.

Keyword

Bone marrow; mandibular fracture; camel; bone wire; bone plate