Finding a simple, applied and inexpensive method to increase the rate of bone healing can reduce the convalescent period and its side effects. In this study the role of autogenous greater omentum as a non-vascularized free flap has been assessed in an experimental model of tibial defect.

The study was carried out on 10 white New Zealand rabbits in the same condition. Following anesthesia and surgical preparation, a 2 mm hole was drilled in medial cortex of both tibial diaphysis. A small piece of greater omental fat (about 3×3 mm), was obtained through a small midline incision and put over the left tibial hole. All the incisions were closed routinely. The animals were sacrificed 14 days after operation and histopathologic sections were taken from the bones at the site of the holes (H&E staining).

In treatment group (left tibia), the fat was changed to a dense soft tissue. Histopathologically, the soft tissue consisted of granulation tissue with severe angiogenesis and hemorrhage. Bone sections in treatment group showed mild hemorrhage with thickened granulation tissue, whereas, in control group hemorrhage and early granulation tissue could be seen.

Since angiogenesis is considered essential to fracture healing, and there are some growth factors in greater omentum (e.g. vascular endothelial growth factor, angiogenic peptide basic fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta 1), which can release from it and induce angiogenesis at the site of fracture, it can be concluded that autogenous greater omentum can be considered as an effective and accessible substance to augment fracture healing.