Can the use of hyaluronidase reduce capsule formation?

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to find whether the use of hyaluronidase reduces capsule formation.

METHODS

Ten New Zealand White rabbits were used. Eight pockets were created using an aseptic technique, four on the right side and four on the left side, along the vertebral column of every animal. One piece of silicone from a silicone block was inserted inside every pocket. The dimensions of each piece were 3.5 × 2 × 1.5 cm. In every pocket on the right side of each animal we placed 0.5 ml of hyaluronidase solution. The animals were sacrificed 5 months postoperatively. Capsule formation in the each side of the animals was compared.

RESULTS

Two rabbits presented infection in two pockets and were excluded from the study. There was a statistically significant difference between groups concerning the capsule thickness variable using parametric (P = 0.003) and nonparametric (P = 0.001) analysis [capsule thickness on the right side: 256.46 ± 114.88 (mean ± SD) and on the left side: 369.10 ± 147.81 (mean ± SD); capsule thickness on the right side: 235.69 (104.72) [median (IQR)] and on the left side: 332.12 (188.68) median (IQR)].

CONCLUSION

The use of hyaluronidase may reduce capsule formation around implants.