Radiographic and densitometric aspects of the fracture healing treated with bone morphogenetic proteins in rabbit radius

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate by radiographic and densitometric examinations the influence of a biomaterial developed by the Brazilian industry in the reparation process of unstable diaphyseal fracture of the radius. Fifteen Norfolk rabbits, males, age between five and six months, and average body weight of 3.5 kg were used. A transversal fracture was induced in the middle portion of the radial diaphysis of both forelimbs using a circular saw. The association of BMPs adsorbed to the hydroxiapatite and agglutinant of collagen in granules, both of bovine origin, were used around the fracture extremities of the right radius (treated). The left radius did not receive any treatment, and it was considered as control. Radiographic evaluation and optic densitometry by radiographic examinations were realized at immediate postoperative, and at 30, 60 and 90 days postoperative. Only at 30 days postoperative occurred higher percentage of cortical reestablishment of the fracture treated with biomaterial. By statistical analysis was not observed any difference in densitometric examinations in the different evaluation moments or between forelimbs. It was possible to conclude that only radiographic examination on day-30 postoperative was observed positive effect of the biomaterial.