[Basic and clinical studies on osteochondral fragment fixation using fibrin adhesive system (FAS) in cases of...

The healing process of osteochondral fracture was studied experimentally and clinically, using fibrin adhesive system (FAS) containing highly concentrated and freeze-dried fibrinogen, thrombin and factor XIII. Osteochondral fractures were made in the femoral condyle of the rabbit. Most of the adhered fibrin was gradually absorbed at the fracture site and at the same time was replaced with granulation tissue containing abundant capillaries, fibroblasts and osteoblasts, by the 10th day. Complete fracture healing was achieved histologically in one month. Fifteen cases of intraarticular osteochondral fractures in the hand were treated with FAS clinically. Complete bony union was obtained in all cases at 3 to 6 weeks postoperatively. The range of motion was limited in 3 cases, but was excellent in the other 12 cases. From our experimental and clinical results, it appears that FAS may produce no obstructive effects in bony healing. Management of intraarticular osteochondral fixation would be much easier by using FAS than by the conventional fixation materials such as metal screws or K-wire.