Repair of lumbar vertebral bone defects by bone particles combined with hUC-MSCs in weaned rabbit.

Aim: The major symptom of many closed spinal dysraphism patients is that the laminas or arches of vertebra are not fused well. To date, the bone repair of spina bifida for young children is a significant challenge in clinical practice. Materials & methods: Bovine bone collagen particle (BBCP) scaffolds combined with human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were implanted in the defect area. X-ray analysis was performed after 3 months. Tissues were harvested for gross observation, and histological and immunohistochemical staining. Results: The BBCP supported hUC-MSCs adhesion and growth. Implanted BBCP combined with hUC-MSCs also promoted bone regeneration in the vertebral lamina and arch defect area. Conclusion: This method represents a new strategy for vertebral lamina and arch reconstruction in children.