Biomaterials with the hydroxyapatite and biopolymers such as chitosan derived of crustaceans are is an alternative for bone repair. Carbon nanotubes have been a focus of interest because they can ameliorate the biomechanical properties of biomaterials. The objective of this study was to evaluate these materials in the repair of cranial defects in rats. The animals were divided in groups: without implant (G1), implanted with the chitosan/carbon nanotube membrane (G2), and chitosan/nanotube membrane mineralized with hydroxyapatite (G3). The animals were sacrificed 5 weeks after surgery and the skulls were removed for analysis of the defect area. The results showed absence of chronic inflammatory and little bone neoformation in the defect area of all groups. In G2 and G3 there was lack of reabsorption of the biomaterial that were encapsulated by connective tissue. In conclusion, the biomaterials were biocompatible, but their specific physicochemical properties did not indicate a considerable osteoregenerative capacity.

SUMMARY:Brachial plexus neuropathies are common complaints among patients seen at orthopedic clinics. The causes range from traumatic to occupational factors and symptoms include paresthesia, paresis, and functional disability of the upper limb. Treatment can be surgical or conservative, but detailed knowledge of the brachial plexus is required in both cases to avoid iatrogenic injuries and to facilitate anesthetic block, preventing possible vascular punctures. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the topography of the infraclavicular brachial plexus fascicles in different upper limb positions adopted during some clinical procedures. A formalinpreserved, adult, male cadaver was used. The infraclavicular and axillary regions were dissected and the distance of the brachial plexus fascicles from adjacent bone structures was measured. No anatomical variation in the formation of the brachial plexus was observed. The metric relationships between the brachial plexus and adjacent bone prominences differed depending on the degree of shoulder abduction. Detailed knowledge of the infraclavicular topography of neurovascular structures helps with the diagnosis and especially with the choice of conservative or surgical treatment of brachial plexus neuropathies.