Comparison of fresh autogenous with formalin preserved allogeneic bone grafts in rabbits. An experimental study

THE EFFECT OF 2-BUTYL-CYANOACRYLATE ADHESIVE IN OSTEOTOMIES AND BONE GRAFTS IN RABBITS: MACROSCOPIC AND RADIOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Objective: To evaluate the effect of butyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive in osteotomies and bone grafts, with regard to macroscopic and radiographic characteristics. Methods: Forty-eight rabbits were used, randomly divided into four groups of 12 animals, with observation periods of two, four, eight and 16 weeks. Both thoracic limbs were operated in each animal and two osteotomies were performed in each of the radii, withdrawing a bone fragment (bone graft) of 1 cm in length. On one side, the bone graft was then replaced and a drop of adhesive was applied to each of the osteotomies. On the other side, the same procedure was performed without applying the adhesive. The rejection level for the nullity hypothesis was set at 0.05% or 5%. Results: Blue marks were present in all the surgical specimens in which adhesive was applied. From the fourth week onwards, there was absence of movement of the bone grafts with adhesive and control. In group A, in the proximal osteotomies with adhesive, there was less deviation of the bone graft (p = 0.02). In group C, the union (p = 0.03) and the integration of the bone graft (p = 0.02) were better in the proximal osteotomies with adhesive. Conclusions: The adhesive was not completely metabolized within 16 weeks. There was clinical consolidation of the osteotomies within four weeks. The adhesive stabilized the bone graft within the first weeks and did not interfere with the consolidation of the osteotomies, or the integration of the bone graft in radiographic observations.

Evaluation of formalin preserved allogeneic bone graft as a grafting material

Formalin preserved allogeneic (FPA) bone graft was used in 18 patients with benign bone cavities, nine patients with malignant bone cavities, 12 patients with atrophic nonunion of fractures, seven with gap nonunion and 18 with comminuted fractures. The benign bone cavities were obliterated in 20 weeks and malignant cavities in 24 weeks. Union was obtained in atrophic ununited fractures in 29 weeks, in gap nonunion in 40 weeks and in comminuted fractures in 27 weeks. FPA is a simple, inexpensive and easily available alternative to autologous bone and to deep frozen bone in filling bone defects and enhancing fracture union.