Comparison of reasorbeable mini anchor versus non reasorbeable: histological evaluation in an experimental rabbit model.

Purpose. Experimental animal study to evaluate the osseo integration, inflammatory response, dislocation and the reabsorption timing of the reasorbeable Mitek® mini anchor, in comparison with the non reasorbeable titanium based. Methods. Twenty rabbits were used: divided into two groups of ten. Each animal underwent sectioning and reinsertion of the Achilles tendon bilaterally, using a reasorbeable mini anchor on one side and a controlateral non reasorbeable mini anchor. The first group was sacrificed after 40 days and the other after 120 days. The bone tendon complex was subjected to histological study. Results. No histological and statistical significative difference were observed in each group, with a lower inflammation response in the reasorbeable implant. Electronic microscopy evaluation demonstrates good stability of the implant in each group. At day 120 the reasorbeable anchors were not yet disappeared. Conclusion. Reasorbeable Mitek mini anchors are to be considered to guarantee a similar response and similar bone stability than non reasorbeable ones.