Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM) Includes Several Osteoinductive Qualities, Which Serve As the Three-Dimensional Scaffold In Order To Support the Growth of New Tissues

Demineralized bone matrix is simply a composite of three minerals: boron, calcium, and sulfur. This material is found in bones after the natural mineral concentration has been depleted. After an injury to the bone (e.g., a fracture), a surgical procedure may be necessary to treat the fracture. The doctor may suggest that the patient replace the missing mineral with mineral-like silicon, which is found in mineral makeup. This mineral supplement is known as "bone matrix". Unfortunately, many people find that this mineral does not provide the desired results and that it may even cause problems after its removal from the body.

The mineral is typically removed by means of either cutting it out of the bone or by means of a process called "osseointegration". Osteoinduction is a highly technical surgical procedure. It involves the introduction of a needle into the bone, and then the surgeon uses a tensile force to inject the gel into the bone. Demineralized Bone Matrix is often prepared by soaking the mineral in an acid solution, followed by high pressure and low-pressure treatments in the presence of a needle. The needle is then removed after the procedure, and the mineral is then re-incorporated into the bone. In regions such as the United States, the prevalence of osteoporosis has increased the requirements for demineralized bone matrix. For instance, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 10 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis and another 44 million suffer from low bone density.

Because the mineral is essentially "dead", the body cannot properly absorb and use it. Instead, the body substitutes it for tissue. Over time, this leads to poor tissue utilization and accelerated bone formation in response to normal activity. Therefore, patients who have undergone demineralized bone matrix surgery may suffer from muscle weakness, increased fragility, and abnormal bone formation. The demineralized bone matrix has become a popular alternative to osteoinductive procedures due to its rapid onset of action, a minimal amount of tissue removal, and very low incidence of infection. Osteoinductive resuspension injections are also more expensive than those made of demineralized bone matrix, but it allows patients to resume their active lifestyle. Additionally, osteoinductive resuspension has a significant post-operative incidence of allergic reactions and skin rash.