Effect of Carboxymethylcellulose Hyaluronan (SEPRAFİLM) on an Arthrofibrosis Model Created in Rabbit Knees.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of carboxymethylcellulose (Seprafilm) for the prevention and treatment of arthrofibrosis in rabbit knees, as well as to investigate its underlying mechanisms of action against fibrosis and adhesion formation. Sixteen male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: a control group and a treatment group that received Seprafilm following surgically induced arthrofibrosis in the knee joint. Macroscopic and histological assessments were performed to evaluate adhesion, fibrosis, inflammation, and edema. In the control group, macroscopic adhesion was severe in five rabbits (62.5%), moderate in two (25%), and minimal in one (12.5%). No macroscopic adhesion was observed in the Seprafilm group. The mean adhesion score was 2.5 ± 0.75 in the control group versus 0 in the treatment group ( < 0.001). Histologically, five rabbits (62.5%) in the control group showed significant fibrosis, and three (37.5%) showed moderate fibrosis, whereas all rabbits in the Seprafilm group exhibited only minimal fibrosis ( < 0.001). Seprafilm was effective in reducing both macroscopic and histological signs of adhesion and fibrosis in a rabbit arthrofibrosis model. These findings suggest its potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent in managing arthrofibrosis.