Original Article

The effect of a new oral anticoagulant (Rivaroxaban) on implants pull-out strength. An experimental study in rats

Artemis G. Kapetanou¹, Matthaios S. Savvidis², Michel E. Potoupnis¹, George E. Petsatodis¹, John M. Kirkos¹, George A. Kapetanos¹

1. Orthopaedic Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
2. Orthopaedic Department, 424 Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece

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Keywords: Anticoagulation, Osseointegration, Oral, Pull-out, Rivaroxaban

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Abstract

Objectives: Thromboprophylaxis reduces the risk of surgery related deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The classical anticoagulants (heparin and LWMH) were associated with systemic osteoporosis, poor bone healing and materials’ osseointegration. There is a lack of data concerning the effect of the new orally administered anticoagulants on osseointegration. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible effect of rivaroxaban, a direct anti-Xa factor, on osseointegration.
Methods: Twenty eight white, male, Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Group A, study group (n=14) and group B, control group (n=14). In all animals under general anesthesia one screw was inserted on the right tibia. For twenty eight days the animals of group A received intraperitoneal rivaroxaban injections 5mgr/kgr every day. The animals of group B received intraperitoneal equal amount of normal saline injections. At the end of the four weeks all animals were sacrificed and their right tibias were excised and underwent the pull-out test.
Results: The mean values of pull-out test were 92,10±19,12N for the control group and 95,46±21,02N for the study group. The statistical analysis using t-test showed no significant difference (p=0,665) for the pull-out test.
Conclusions: These results indicate that Rivaroxaban hasn’t got any deleterious effect on the osseointegration of implants on rats.

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