The role of adding Hyaluronic Acid in the grafting process for the repair of experimentally induced tibial defect in dogs model

Abstract

The study is designed to determine the role of adding hyaluronic acid as a supportive filling material to improve experimentally defective tibial bone grafting in the dog model. Eighteen local breed dogs of both sexes weighted 18±0.4 kg and aged 12±0.6 months were randomly allocated in two equal groups. Twelve dogs underwent experimental tibial bone defect 2.5×0.7 cm in the first group and were replaced with deproteinized lamb ribs. The second group was treated like that first and supported 1% hyaluronic acid to their grafts. The bone in both groups was firmly fixed by cerclage wire. All dogs were followed up clinically, radiologically, and macroscopically at 14, 30, and 60 days after the intervention. In all study dogs, the signs of the systemic infection of seromas, hematoma, and severe lameness were not developed along the study period. Grossly, dogs in the second group at 60 days showed an increase in the size of the filler of bone at the edges and the mid of the defect, improvement and acceleration in the bone healing, and formation of bone bridges compared to the first group. Radiological findings exhibited complete healing of the fixated bone segment with the surrounding area; however, some cortical irregularities denoted chronic periosteal reaction and callus formation in the treatment with hyaluronic acid. In conclusion, the study indicated that hyaluronic acid with xenograft materials exhibited remarkably beneficial effects on improving the augmentation of the tibial bone defect.