Adhesion reduction after knee surgery in a rabbit model by Hyaloglide®, a hyaluronan derivative gel

A randomized controlled experimental trial was performed in a rabbit model of surgical adhesions to investigate the anti-adhesive effects of Hyaloglide (R), a highly viscous hyaluronan derivative absorbable gel after knee surgery. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were prepared and randomly divided into two groups of 10 animals each. An intra-articular fibro-adhesive scar was created in the right knee joint of the hind paw of each rabbit using a standardized surgical procedure, and Hyaloglide (R) was administered into the joint cavity of the knee at the end of intervention in the animals belonging to the treatment group. No anti-adhesive treatment was applied in the control group. Additionally, immobilization using a Kirschner wire was applied in order to increase the risk of adhesions. Six weeks after surgery the animals were euthanized and after removal of the immobilization system, adhesions were evaluated both macroscopically and histologically. Results of gross observations using a specific adhesion scoring system showed a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of both incidence and severity of adhesions in the hyaluronan-treated group compared to the control group. Histologically, adhesions in the treated group were thinner with less collagenic fibers. In conclusion, Hyaloglide (R) may be considered as a promising absorbable barrier for prevention of post-operative fibrotic adhesions after knee surgery. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society.