Can the use of hyaluronidase reduce capsule formation?

ABSTRACT

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.