Carbon-carbon composite nail for intramedullary osteosynthesis in rats with experimental osteoporosis

Background. In Ukraine, there has recently been an increase in the number of limb bone fractures among the population, in particular, due to increase in the number of elderly people, which is associated with the development of age-related osteoporosis and fragility of bones. Therefore, the use of artificial implants in traumatology is becoming increasingly important. The search for new bioinert and biodegradable materials, that are capable of providing rapid fracture consolidation and do not require repeated surgical intervention, continues. Objective. To elaborate a model for the research of using carbon-carbon composite nail for intramedullary osteosynthesis in laboratory rats with fractures of femur and tibia in norm and with experimental osteoporosis. Methods. The work investigated the lower limbs of 6 groups of Wistar rats. The first part of the study involved 4 groups of rats with modeled tibial fracture with subsequent osteosynthesis in norm and with experimental osteoporosis. The second part of the research included two groups of laboratory rats with modeled femur fracture. In both parts we used metal injection needle, as well as carbon-carbon composite nail for osteosynthesis. Results. All animals underwent surgery well, stepped on the injured limb. X-ray examination after the osteosynthesis demonstrated satisfactory reposition of the fragments. One month after modeled fracture in rats with experimental osteoporosis a violation of the normal consolidation of the fracture was observed, especially in the group where carbon-carbon composite nails were used for osteosynthesis. Further, until the 180th day after the surgery there were no peculiarities, function of the limbs was restored, mainly without expressed angular deformities. Conclusion. The above mentioned model was successfully elaborated for the research of using carbon-carbon composite nail for intramedullary osteosynthesis in laboratory rats with fractures of femur and tibia in norm and with experimental osteoporosis.