Histological evaluation of soft tissue near reabsorbable plates (PGA/PLLA 18:82)

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early healing properties of the soft tissue near reabsorbable plates (18:82 polyglycolic copolylactic acid copolymer) in a rat model. Materials and methods: Pieces of reabsorbable plates (Lactosorb®, Walter Lorenz Surgical, Jacksonville, FL.) were implanted in 8 Wistar rats dorsum. Changes in the soft tissue near the reabsorbable devices were evaluated at 7, 14, 21 and 30 days post-operatively. Results: At 7 days, a few inflammatory cells were present at the tissue-implant interface. A layer of surrounding fibrous tissue was present around the plates. No changes in the fibrous tissue at 14 days, but no inflammatory cell was seen at this point. The fibrous tissue was more thinner at 21 and 30 days post-operatively. Conclusion: In conclusion, no significant inflammatory response was noticed near the plates for all times, due the biocompatibility of PGA/PLLA (18:82) devices.