Evaluate the Biocompatibility and Osseointegration of a BioPolymer

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate, “in vivo”, morphological and radiographically, the biocompatibility and osseointegration of BioPolymer (Poliquil®, Brasil) derived from castor oil (Ricinus communis) used as a substitute in the filling of bone defects, caused in rabbits’ tibia.
Methods: A experimental study was carried out using 16 rabbits, male, white, New Zealand breed, healthy, that were separated into four groups of four animals each (n=4). The animals were subjected to a paired analyse, being used as both control and experimental. Removed a bone fragment in the tibia with, approximately, 3 mm of diameter through the technique of trefinagem, and the bone defect cause was filled with polyurethane derived of castor oil in the right paw (experimental group); in the left paw (control group) was caused the same bone defect, and later the same was filled with autogenous graft removed the right side of the animal. The animals were sacrificed to 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after the surgery.
Results: After 60 days, the autogenous bone repair showed, radiologically, more trabecular bone and radiolucency than the experimental side.
Conclusions: Radiographic examination suggests that the castor oil biopolymer may be a viable alternative in the repair of bone defects.