Anıl Uzun1, Alp Akman2, A. Fahir Demirkan2, Semih Akkaya2, Gamze Doğu3

1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Akşehir State Hospital, Konya, Turkey
2Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical Faculty of Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
3Department of Medical Oncology, Medical Faculty of Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey

Keywords: Animal model; calcium-phosphate cement; collagen membrane; methotrexate; soft tissue healing.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate whether the collagen membrane (membrane) wrapping around the methotrexate (MTX)-containing calcium-phosphate cement (CPC) reduces the side effects on soft tissue healing. Material and methods: In 36 rats, femoral bone defects were created and treated in six groups which were CPC only, CPC and membrane wrapping around, CPC containing 2% MTX, CPC containing 2% MTX and membrane wrapping around, CPC containing 5% MTX, CPC containing 5% MTX and membrane wrapping around.
Results: Histological examinations revealed a statistically significantly improved healing in the connective tissue samples of the CPC containing 5% MTX group wrapped around by membrane compared to those without membrane (p=0.04). However, this was not seen in other groups.
Conclusion: Membrane wrapping around the CPC containing MTX reduces the side effect of MTX on cellular proliferation at its highest concentration, particularly. Membrane wrapping may allow administration of higher doses of an anti-neoplastic drug which can be more effective.