The effect of fibrin glue on autogenous and alloplastic bone grafts in rat calvarial defects

Fibrin Glue (FG) is a biodegradable and biocompatible human or animal plasma derivative which mimics the final stages of blood coagulation. It is currently used as a reliable method for achieving hemostasis, wound healing, and consolidating particulate grafting material during oral and maxillofacial surgery. However, its effectiveness in influencing bone healing (or regeneration) when used in conjunction with bone grafting materials is still unclear. The purpose of this investigation was to compare bone healing in critical sized rat calvarial defects grafted with autogenous bone and alloplasts (hydroxyapatite with tricalcium phosphate and inorganic bovine bone) alone or in combination with FG. Rats were sacrificed and evaluated by microCT and histology at 2, 4, and 8 weeks following surgery. Although bone regeneration increased over time, no obvious difference was noted between grafts used alone or in combination with FG. There was also no significant difference between the graft materials themselves.