The Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tarantula Cubensis on the Distal Radius Fracture Healing in Rabbits

Nowadays, bone grafts are used in both veterinary and human orthopaedics to stimulate fracture healing and to accelerate the restoration of bone defects. Autografts are still a high standard for comparing different bone-building stimuli. Autografts not only include healing stimulants but also contains cells that do not stimulate immune responses and do not transmit infectious diseases. However, bone grafting is not without side effects such as pain, infection, fracture, blood loss and increased surgical stages, besides the amount of bone removed is limited.Tarantula cubensis venom has an anti-inflammatory and re-epithelialization effect in bovine wound healing on the 14th day; it also plays a role in infection prevention since Theranekron can alter the process of inflammation. This study aims to examine the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of tarantula cubensis on the distal radius fracture healing in rabbits

This study was conducted on 20 male rabbits, in four study groups of five rabbits. A bone se was extracted from the distal radius. The first group was administrated with one microgram per kilogram of Theranekron injection at the site of the bone defection. The second and third (or negative control) groups were administrated with normal saline injection and no substance (no intervention), respectively. Lastly, the fourth group (or autograft group), the extracted bone segment was returned in its place, and the skin and muscles were sutured. Lateral view radiographs images were taken from rabbits on days of 14, 28, 42 and 56 after surgery.On the eighth week, a bone biopsy was performed to evaluate histopathology. Radiographs and biopsies were statistically examined for fusion rate, ossification activity and remodelling.

Both Theranekron and autograft group had similar behaviour and outperformed the normal saline and negative control group; therefore it is concluded that hydroalcoholic extract of tarantula cubensis was effective in distal radius fracture healing.