Fixation of osteochondral fractures. Fibrin sealant tested in dogs.

Standardized osteochondral fractures in the left femoral condyle in 19 adult mongrel dogs were fixed with either fibrin sealant or Kirschner wire. Adaptation and mechanical strength after 4, 7 or 8, and 14 days were compared with an in vitro study of the initial strength of the fibrin sealant in osteochondral fractures. After 4 days, the maximum tensile strength was increased in the fibrin sealed group, whereas no difference in energy absorption at failure was found. Although the initial strength of the fibrin bond was low, the tendency to displacement was less in this group. Our results suggest that fibrin sealant can be used for fixation of small osteochondral fragments, provided that immobilisation is sufficient.