Short-Term Evaluation of Grafts Fixed With Either N-Butyl-2-Cyanocrylate or Screws

Abstract

N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NB-Cn) is an alternative method for onlay graft fixation and might be efficient for preserving the graft volume. Our aim was to analyze the gene expression and mineralized tissue variations of calvarial bone grafting fixed in the mandible with either NB-Cn or a titanium screw (TiS). New Zealand rabbits had bilateral calvarial grafts fixed at both sides of the mandible with either NB-Cn or a TiS. The rabbits were sacrificed at 4 and 8 days, and micro-computed tomography analysis was performed. For molecular analysis, the gene expression of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α was assessed. Quantification using real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired Student t test (P < .05). Bone graft fixation with NB-Cn promoted superior volume and density preservation. The percentage of mineralized tissue at the center portion and border of the graft was very similar (NB-Cn, 50.6% ± 8.3% and 50.3% ± 10.6%, respectively) and superior than in the TiS group (32.5% ± 3.5% and 33.8% ± 6%, respectively). Genes from the NB-Cn group were upregulated compared with those in the TiS group at the initial phases of bone healing (4 days), with the profile reversed at the 8-day point. At day 8, the osteoclastogenesis-related genes were upregulated in the TiS group. Onlay bone grafts fixed with screws induced more inflammation during the initial remodeling process than did NB-Cn. The differences in the incorporation into the host bed suggest that the use of adhesives for graft fixation will promote superior volume and density preservation.