Cyanoacrylate derivatives have been used as surgical adhesives for many years. Shorter-chain derivatives (methyl- and
ethyl-cyanoacrylate) have proved to be histotoxic. Longer-chain derivatives (butyl- and
isobutyl-cyanoacrylate) are much less histotoxic. Many surgeons continue to use
ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate (
Krazy Glue) despite the availability of a less toxic derivative, butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (
Histoacryl). In this study, the histotoxicity and bone graft-cartilage binding ability of
Krazy Glue and
Histoacryl were compared. Bone grafts harvested from the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus were placed in a subcutaneous pocket and glued to auricular cartilage in the rabbit.
Krazy Glue and
Histoacryl were used in opposite ears, harvesting specimens at 1, 2, 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks. The
Krazy Glue-treated ears developed
seromas with histologic evidence of acute
inflammation, tissue
necrosis, and chronic foreign body giant cell reaction. The
Histoacryl-treated ears showed mild acute
inflammation and mild foreign body giant cell reaction. The
Krazy Glue was completely degraded within 12 months, while some
Histoacryl was still present at 1 year.
Histoacryl had minimal histotoxic effect and good bone graft-cartilage binding ability, whereas
Krazy Glue demonstrated severe histotoxicity.