Invivo application of hystoacryl (n–butyl–2–syanoacrylate) adhesive for meniscal tears: experimental study in rabbits

Abstract

Objectives: Various techniques and materials were developed for meniscal repairs; among these are sutures, darts and screws. Hystoacryl is a strong and absorbable adhesive for skin, tendon and bone. It is not toxic, has a minimal inflammatory effect and does not disturb tissue healing. The only in vivo study in the literature in which syanoacrylate was used for meniscal transplants in rabbits revealed no healing at weeks 2 and 3. Severe inflammation in the synovium and articular cartilage necrosis were observed in that study. Effect of hystoacryl glue (nbutyl- syanoacrylate) on meniscal, articular cartilage and synovium healing was assessed in this study. Materials and methods: Eighteen knees of nine New Zealand rabbits were equally divided into three groups. Five millimeter long cuts were made on all menisci and left without any intervention in the first group, repaired by vertical matrix sutures in the second group and fixed with histoacryl in the third group. After 6 weeks, macroscopic and histological assessment of the meniscus, articular cartilage and synovium were completed.
Results: Partial meniscus healing took place only in one rabbit of the second but not in the first and third groups. Articular cartilage degeneration or synovial inflammation was not observed macroscopically in any of the groups. Synovial inflammation, according to leukocyte counts was lower in the third group compared to the other groups.
Conclusion: Meniscal healing was observed in only one rabbit in group 2. Meniscal healing was not observed in any other rabbit in this study. Inflammation and/or degeneration of the synovium or articular cartilage were not recorded. In conclusion, intraarticular application of hystoacryl does not cause intraarticular inflammation, articular cartilage damage, and synovial reaction at week 6 week of application.