Cytotoxicity of cyanoacrylate adhesives to cultured tendon cells.

The in vitro cytotoxicity of four cyanoacrylate adhesives was tested using cultures of cells derived from human tendons. All four were found to be cytotoxic, even at concentrations as low as 1.7%, over the experimental period of up to 18 weeks. This study shows that such adhesives in their present state may not be suitable for re-joining cut tendons as their initial and long-term toxicity may hinder the slow healing process of tendons.