Evidence that Osteocytes in Autogenous Bone Fragments can Repair Disrupted Canalicular Networks and Connect with Osteocytes in de novo Formed Bone on the Fragment Surface

Autogenous bone fragments generated during surgery (e.g. implant site preparation) accelerate bone formation by the release of a large variety of growth factors from the extracellular matrix and the cells contained within. Osteocytes, whether viable or apoptotic, within such fragments are able to recruit osteoclasts to a site of bone remodelling. Here, using correlative scanning electron microscopy, we provide compelling evidence that at one week healing in the Sprague Dawley rat tibia, following surgery (and/or the placement of a bone-anchored implant), autogenous bone fragments support bone formation on their surface. Furthermore, osteocytes within the autogenous fragments are frequently able to repair the disrupted canalicular networks and appear to connect with osteocytes (or osteoblastic-osteocytes) in the de novo formed bone on the surface of the fragment.