Effects of two hemostatic agents on osseous healing.

The effects of Adaptic and Avitene on bone healing were evaluated histologically. The studied materials were placed in osseous defects created in rat tibias with a #8 round bur in a slow-speed handpiece. The materials were left in situ for experimental periods of 7, 14, 28, 60, 90, and 120 days. Histological evaluation of specimens from each of these periods demonstrated that Avitene was resorbed and did not impede bone healing. Adaptic was not resorbed at the end of the longest experimental period, 120 days. This material caused a foreign body reaction characterized by encapsulation of the Adaptic by fibrous connective tissues. Both Adaptic and Avitene were satisfactory hemostatic agents. The results of this study suggest that Adaptic should be used only in those situations where complete retrieval of the material from surgical sites can be assured.