Abstract:Objective To investigate the efficacy of a composite material prepared from collagen sponge combined with bone marrow concentrate (BMC) in repairing rabbit skull defects.Methods Cranial defect models were established in 12 New Zealand rabbits. Bone marrow (5 mL) was aspirated from the bilateral femurs of the rabbits and centrifuged to obtain BMC, which was then mixed with collagen sponge to form a composite. Four full-thickness skull defects (8 mm in diameter) were created on both sides of the sagittal suture while preserving the intact dura mater. The rabbits were divided into four groups: blank control group (no implant), BMC group (BMC only), collagen group (collagen sponge only), and composite group (BMC-collagen composite). Four rabbits were euthanized at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively, respectively, for skull defect specimen collection. Micro-CT scanning, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Masson staining were performed to evaluate osteogenesis.Results Micro-CT scans at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively demonstrated greater new bone formation in the composite group. Comparisons of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) ratios among the four groups revealed: (1) Significant differences in BMD and BV/TV values across time points (P < 0.05); (2) Significant intergroup differences in BMD and BV/TV values (P < 0.05); (3) Significant differences in BMD trends among groups (P < 0.05), while no significant differences in BV/TV trends (P > 0.05). HE and Masson staining showed earlier and more mature new bone formation in the composite group compared to other groups.Conclusion The BMC-collagen composite significantly accelerates skull defect repair in rabbits and enhances bone regeneration, demonstrating potent osteogenic potential.