Systemic and local reactions of a water-soluble copolymer bone on a bony defect of rabbit model

Abstract Background Ostene®, a synthetic water-soluble bone hemostatic agent, is commercially available. In the current study, we evaluated the systemic and local effects of this copolymer in a rabbit model. Methods Eighteen rabbits underwent creation of a bony defect at right iliac crest. These rabbits were then evenly divided into 3 groups. In group 1, the defect surfaces were treated with bone wax; in group 2, the defect surfaces were treated with Ostene®; in group 3, the defect surfaces were not treated with anything. Then, the animals underwent blood examinations, including WBC count, CRP, and ESR at 0, 1, 3, and 6 weeks, and were killed at 6 weeks for histologic examination. Another 6 rabbits (group 4) underwent the same surgical treatment of group 2 animals but had blood examinations of BUN and creatinine. Results The blood examinations showed that the WBC count, CRP, and ESR of all the animals in the first 3 groups were within normal limits in the postoperative periods. Microscopic examinations demonstrated residual bone wax and fibrotic tissue at the defect surfaces in group 1 animals. However, there was no Ostene® at the defect surfaces in group 2 animals. The groups 2 and 3 animals showed no fibrotic tissue at the defect surfaces. The group 4 animals showed normal serum levels of BUN and creatinine in the postoperative periods. Conclusion Ostene® is absorbable and induces no systemic inflammation (including acute renal damage) and local inflammation in animal bodies.