The effects of ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate and butyl-2-cyanoacrylate in the process of bone healing in rats. A controlled experimental study

Abstract Objective Synthetic adhesives are used by various medical specialties, especially in surgery; however, studies reporting their use in orthopedic practice are scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the results in using ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate or butyl-2-cyanoacrylate in the treatment of fractures in rats. Methods This was an experimental prospective controlled study in 90 rats, with humerus, femur, and tibia fractures, treated with ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate (SB group; n  = 45) or butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (HA group; n  = 45). Biomechanical and histomorphometric analyses were performed at three different moments (60, 120, and 180 days); besides a clinical study performed weekly by measurement of the animals body mass. Results No differences were observed regarding body mass ( p  = 0.07). In both groups, there were no significant differences regarding maximum load ( p  = 0.6), yield point strength ( p  = 0.6), and stiffness coefficient ( p  = 0.4) of the femurs. The same was observed in tibias for maximum load ( p  = 0.4), yield point strength ( p  = 0.7), and stiffness coefficient ( p  = 0.6). The humerus from both groups had similar bone callus area ( p  = 0.66). In both groups, there were no statistical differences related to inflammatory cells ( p  = 0.4), osteoblasts ( p  = 0.2), and osteoclasts ( p  = 0.2). Conclusion Ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate was more effective than butyl-2-cyanoacrylate in the treatment of fractures in rats.