Effects of isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate on bone healing.

An in vivo evaluation of isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate as an osseous adhesive was performed to determine its effect on bone healing. Oblique cortical fractures were induced at the tibial-fibular junctions of adult rabbits. Forty-eight fractures were repaired by the use of isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate and a full cerclage wire. The opposite control fracture was repaired with a full cerclage wire only. One hundred percent of the glued fractures were not united through the glue interface, although normal periosteal new bone formation (secondary bone healing) took place around the glue. One hundred percent of the nonglued fractures healed by secondary bone union. Reactions were not seen in the bone or soft tissue adjacent to the adhesive material.