Study of the Biocompatibility of Chitosan Gel Associated to Glycerol Phosphate for the Healing of Experimentally Induced Radial Defects in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Introduction: In many fractures, the expected consolidation is not achieved, requiring additional means to obtain bone union. Chitosan is a nontoxic and compatible biomaterial that stimulates osteogenesis. The present study evaluated the effects of glycerol phosphate associated to chitosan hydrogel on experimentally induced bone defects in rabbit radius.

Materials and Methods: Adult rabbits (n = 15) were divided into two groups, the BG group (Biomaterial Group) being treated with glycerol phosphate associated to chitosan hydrogel and the CG group (Control Group) receiving no treatment. The animals were evaluated radiographically by densitometry and histologically at 30, 60, and 90 postoperatively.

Results: Comparing the two groups, there was a significant statistical difference between the averages of radiopacity BG (2.33 ± 0.48) and CG (1.77 ± 0.06). There was also a significant statistical difference (p > 0.05) in the densitometry evaluation between groups, BG (6,207 ± 1,374) and CG (5,71 ± 1,512). The average values of the histopathological evaluation of BG were higher than those of CG at 30 (BG: 13.6 and CG: 10.4), 60 (BG: 13.8 and CG: 10.8), and 90 postoperatively (BG: 15.2 and CG: 11.0).

Discussion/Conclusion: Chitosan associated with glycerol phosphate is a biomaterial of desired characteristics, promoting faster bone repair, being nontoxic, and safe to use, which contributes to better bone consolidation results in orthopedic surgeries for fracture repair.

Acknowledgment: Study funded by the Foundation for Research Support of the State of São Paulo–FAPESP. Structure provided by the Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences-Unesp, Jaboticabal.