Antiadhesive Effect of Mixed Solution of Sodium Hyaluronate and Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose After Blow-out Fracture Repair

Abstract

Treatment of blow-out fractures is aimed at the prevention of permanent diplopia and cosmetically unacceptable enophthalmos. Porous polyethylene sheets are one of the most common alloplastic implants for blow-out fracture repair. Because adhesion between the porous polyethylene and the orbital soft tissue can result in restrictions of ocular motility, prevention of postoperative adhesion is important in the reconstruction of blow-out fractures. The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of the mixed solution of sodium hyaluronate and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (HACMC) on postoperative adhesion in blow-out fracture repair in an animal model. Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were used. An 8-mm defect was made in the maxillary sinuses including the bone and mucosa. A 10-mm porous polyethylene sheet (Medpor; Porex Surgical Inc., Newnan, GA) was inserted in to the defect. The rabbits were divided into a control group and a HACMC group. In the HACMC group, HACMC solution was instilled onto the surface of the implant and then the implant was inserted. The implants were harvested at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery (3 implants each period). Hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, and CD31 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1) stains were performed for evaluation of inflammation, fibrosis, and vascularization. Inflammation appeared less severe in the HACMC group, but the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. The degree of fibrosis was more severe in the control group. There were significant differences in the degree of fibrosis between the 2 groups 4 and 8 weeks after surgery (P = 0.046). The amount of vascularization was similar in both groups. The HACMC solution seemed to be effective for reducing postoperative adhesion in reconstruction of blow-out fractures in a rabbit model. Our results suggest that the application of HACMC solution could be an effective adjunct for the repair of trap-door fractures or revision of blow-out fractures.