Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBC), a synthetic tissue adhesive and graft material, on the healing of experimentally induced joint defects in rats. Twenty healthy male Wistar rats with an average body weight of 250 - 300g were used in this experiment. In the experimental group, NBC was given into the induced defects (2.00 mm) and then, they were closed routinely. In the control group, no intervention was made on the defects and they were closed routinely. All animals were observed during 30 days. In the radiological evaluation, the significant differences were recorded from days 15 to 30 between groups. In the histopathological evaluation, the distributions of collagen II and transforming growth factor-beta immuno-positive cells were more intense in experimental group than control group. As a result, the radiological and histopathological evaluations indicated that using NBC in joint defect increased tissue compatibility of newly formed cartilage cells and collagen fibers. However, how NBC provides chondrocyte production and harmony between the damaged and surrounding tissues remains a subject that must be studied.