3D-printed Poly-Lactic Co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) scaffolds in non-critical bone defects impede bone regeneration in rabbit tibia bone

An increasing number of bone graft materials are commercially available and vary in their composition, mechanism of action, costs, and indications.A commercially available PLGA scaffold produced using 3D printing technology has been used to promote the preservation of the alveolar socket after tooth extraction. We examined its influence on bone regeneration in long bones of New Zealand White rabbits.5.0-mm-diameter circular defects were created on the tibia bones of eight rabbits. Two groups were studied: (1) control group, in which the bone defects were left empty; (2) scaffold group, in which the PLGA scaffolds were implanted into the bone defect. Radiography was performed every two weeks postoperatively. After sacrifice, bone specimens were isolated and examined by micro-computed tomography and histology.Scaffolds were not degraded by eight weeks after surgery. Micro-computed tomography and histology showed that in the region of bone defects that was occupied by scaffolds, bone regeneration was compromised and the total bone volume/total volume ratio (BV/TV) was significantly lower.The implantation of this scaffold impedes bone regeneration in a non-critical bone defect. Implantation of bone scaffolds, if unnecessary, lead to a slower rate of fracture healing.