Gholamreza Abedi, Rahim Alizadeh, Ahmad Asghari, Pejman Sedghani
Androgens have proliferative effects on osteoblasts and increase fracture healing by systemic and local stimulation of bone formation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if the systemic stimulation by androgens leads to increased bone-defect healing. Ten mature, healthy, white Newzealand rabbits were selected and all rabbits were castrated with scrotal approach. The rabbits were divided into two groups. Four round defect were holed on tibial shaft with similar distances. The diameter of the holes increased from 1 to 4mm respectively from distal to proximal part of the tibial diaphysis. Group 1 (5 rabbits) were injected with nandrolone 2 mg/kg body weight intramuscularly. Group 2 the 5 control rabbits received cyproterone acetate 5 mg/kg body weight orally. For evaluation of healing process, standard lateromedial and craniocaudal radiographic projection were made before and immediately after surgery and it was repeated at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after surgery. There is no significant difference between two groups on 0, 15th and 30th days but there is significant difference on 45th and 60th days.