Effect of N-butyl cyanoacrylate on fracture healing in segmental rat tibia fracture model

BACKGROUND: Comminuted fractures can occur due to severe traumas. The treatment of these fractures that may cause serious morbidity and sometimes mortality is N-butyl cyanoacrylate. It has been reported that this adhesive provides sufficient rigid fixation for bone healing. This study aims to examine cyanoacrylate radiologically and histologically to determine whether it provides adequate recovery in segmental fractures. The secondary objective is to evaluate N-butyl cyanoacrylate, an adhesive material that can hold the fragments on the fracture line together following reduction. METHODS: Sixteen Sprague–Dawley rats were divided in two groups as control (n = 8) and experimental (n = 8) groups. In the control group, segmental fractures were made and fixated with K-wire. In the experimental group, the same surgical procedure was applied and also fragments were stabilized with N-butyl cyanoacrylate. RESULTS: On the sixth week, we did not see any statistically significant difference in the radiological scoring between groups. However, the pathological scores of the control group were statistically higher than the cyanoacrylate group. CONCLUSIONS: We found that cyanoacrylate was rapidly and easily applied in the segmental fractures but did not cause any superior radiological and clinical results compared to the control group. The cyanoacrylate had low viscosity, and it was not capable enough to fill the defects formed between osteotomy surfaces. However, it did not adversely affect fracture healing as seen in biopsies taken as a result of follow-ups.