An in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial properties of barriers used in guided tissue regeneration

Evaluation of surgical cavities filled with three types of calcium sulfate

The aim of this study was to evaluate histologically, three types of calcium sulfate - Merck (Brazil), Surgiplaster (Italy) and Capset (USA) - in surgically created defects on rabbit femurs. Twenty male New Zealand rabbits were used. Two surgical bone defects (5 mm diameter x 8 mm depth) were created on each distal epiphysis using a #3 Dentoflex trephine bur. Defects were filled with: group 1 - di-hydrated calcium sulfate (Merck); group 2 - Capset (Lifecore-USA); group 3 - Surgiplaster (Classimport-Italy); group 4 - control (blood clot). The animals were sacrificed 30, 60, 90 and 180 days postoperatively. Semi-serial 6-mm-thick sections were obtained, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined under light microscopy. Bone defects treated with calcium sulfate exhibited new bone formation regardless of the product trademark.

Ex Vivo Strength Comparison of Bioabsorbable Tendon Plates and Bioabsorbable Suture in a 3-Loop Pulley Pattern for Repair of Transected Flexor Tendons from Horse Cadavers

OBJECTIVE

To test the failure strength and energy of 2 bioabsorbable implants applied to transected deep digital flexor tendons (DDFT) from adult horses.

STUDY DESIGN

Ex vivo biomechanical experiment.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Twelve pairs of deep digital flexor tendons harvested from the forelimbs of fresh equine cadavers.

METHODS

Poly-L-lactic acid tendon plates were custom manufactured for application to the cylindrical surface of an adult equine deep digital flexor tendon. Twelve pairs of DDFTs were transected 2 cm distal to the insertion of the distal check ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon. One tendon of each pair was randomly selected for repair with a biodegradable plate or a 3-loop pulley method. Size 2 polydioxanone suture was used in both repairs. Repairs were tested in tension to failure, with peak force (PF) and total energy (TE) at repair failure recorded in Newtons (N) and Joules (J), respectively. A paired t-test was used for statistical evaluation with a significant level set at P< or = .05.

RESULTS

Mean+/-SD PF for failure of plated tendons (1507.08+/-184.34 N) was significantly greater than for sutured tendons (460.86+/-60.93 N). TE was also significantly greater for failure of plated tendons versus sutured tendons.

CONCLUSIONS

Plate fixation of transected cadaver DDFTs appear to have superior immediate failure strength than 3-loop pulley repairs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Whereas in vivo testing is required, a bioabsorbable tendon plate may provide initial increased strength to support tendon healing and decrease external coaptation requirements.