OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of ultraviolet ( UV) irradiation on the biocompatibility of Medpor.

METHODSThe Medpor implant, 2 mm in thickness, was divided into several pieces with the size of 1 cm x 1 cm. 12 Japanese big ear rabbits were divided into experimental (n=6) and control group (n=6). The 1 cm x 1 cm auricular cartilage defects were made in each rabbit ear. Then the defects were repaired with UV-treated Medpor implants in experimental group, and Medpor implants in control group. The levels of the total hemolytic complement (CH50) were measured 3 d hefore operation, and 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, 90 d after operation. The wound healing was observed. 90 d after operation, the animals were killed to get the specimens for gross observation and histologic examination. The change of CH50 level after operation was significantly different between the two groups ( P < 0.05) . The CH50 level was comparatively stable in experimental group. Compared with control group, the local inflammatory reaction was not obvious in experimental group. A great amount of tissue, including big vessels was growing into the mini-pores of Medpor, resulting a close combination between the implant and surrounding tissue.

CONCLUSIONIt suggests that ultraviolet irradiation can improve the biocompatibility of Medpor and promote the wound recovery.