Objective To retrospectively analyze the cl inical effect of l ightbulb operation with nano-hydroxyapatite/ collagen in a consecutive series of patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods From January 2001to July 2005, 26 patients (35 hips) were treated, 16 males and 10 females, aged 19-54 years old (33.5 on average). The course of disease was 12-36 months (18 months on average). Based on the etiology, 15 cases (22 hips) were steroid induced type, 10 (12 hips) were alcohol induced type and the other one (1 hip ) was idiopathic type. According to the system of Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO), there were 6 hi ps of stage IIB, 16 hi ps of stage IIC, 9 hi ps of stage IIIA, 3 hi ps of stage IIIB and 1 hip of stage IIIC. The Harris score was 62.2 ± 7.5. All the patients who had undergone l ightbulb operation with nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen were evaluated both cl inically and radiographically. The bone graft mixture rate of nanohydroxyapatite/ collagen and autogenous bone was 1 ∶ 1, and the mixed bone graft was 6 times of the scraped osteonecrosis volume (30-48 mL). Results The incisions of all 26 patients (35 hi ps) obtained heal ing by first intention. The 2 cases, which got lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury during the operation, recovered 3-6 months after the operation without any treatment. Another 2 cases got heterotopic ossification 3 months after operation, with no special treatment. All the 26 patients (35 hips) were followed up for 2-7 years (3.5 on average). The patients’ bone heal ing began from the 3rd month after operation. The postoperative Harris score was 85.1 ± 16.2, and there was significant difference compared with the preoperative one (P lt; 0.001). There were 15 hips of excellent, 11 of good, 5 of fair, and 4 of poor which received total hip arthroplasty at the end of the follow-up. According to imaging, 5 hips were progressed from preoperative IIC to IIIA, while the other hips were radiologically stable, with no progress of ONFH. Conclusion Lightbulb operation with nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen provides a surgical treatment to treat early ONFH with satisfactory cl inical outcomes. Nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen is beneficial for the repair and reconstruction of ONFH and suitable for femoral-head-preserving operation for the patients with ONFH of stage II.
Objective Titania and Ag containing nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (TiO2-Ag-nHA/PA66) composite bone fill ing material has good biocompatibil ity and biological safety. To investigate the antibacterial effect and Ag+ release characteristics of TiO2-Ag-nHA/PA66 composite bone fill ing material containing different concentrations of Ag+ in vitro. Methods The n-HA/PA66 composite bone fill ing material A1 (material A1) was prepared by co-polymerization method, and TiO2-Ag-nHA/PA66 composite bone fill ing materials A2 and A3 (materials A2 and A3) were prepared by thesame way containing Ag+ of 0.22wt% and 0.64wt%, respectively, and the TiO2 content was 2.35wt%. The materials A2 and A3 were respectively immersed in 50 mL simulated body fluid (SBF), and Ag+ concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 49 days. The inhibition ring test and colony count method were used to evaluate antibiotic effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the anti-adhesion capacity of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results There was no significant difference in the Ag+ concentration between materials A2 and A3 at 1 day and 3 days (P gt; 0.05); and there were significant differences in the Ag+ concentration between materials A2 and A3 after 7 days (P lt; 0.05). The inhibition ring diameters of materials A2 and A3 to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli reached the maximum at 1 day, which were (13.40 ± 2.88), (9.40 ± 1.14) mm and (23.60 ± 1.14), (18.80 ± 0.84) mm, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.05) between materials A2 and A3 respectively; and then, the diameter of inhibition ring reduced with the time. The antibacterial effect of materials A2 and A3 against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli lasted 15, 33 days and 9, 24 days, respectively. No inhibition ring was observed around material A1 all the time. And the inhibitory rates of materials A2 and A3 were 89.74% ± 3.62%, 94.18% ± 2.05% and 78.65% ± 5.64%, 85.96% ± 2.50%; showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05) among materials A1, A2, and A3. SEM showed that bacterial adhesion of materials A2 and A3 was obviously fewer than that of material A1. Conclusion TiO2-Ag-nHA/PA66 composite bone fill ing material has antibacterial property against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and it has a good release effect in SBF.
ObjectiveTo compare the biomechanical differences between the kidney-shaped nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) Cage and the bullet-shaped n-HA/PA66 Cage. MethodsL2-L5 spinal specimens were selected from 10 adult male pigs. L2, L3 and L4, L5 served as a motor unit respectively, 20 motor units altogether. They were divided into 4 groups (n=5):no treatment was given as control group (group A); nucleus pulposus resection was performed (group B); bullet-shaped Cage (group C), and kidney-shaped Cage (group D) were used in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) through left intervertebral foramen and supplemented by posterior pedicle screw fixation. The intervertebral height (IH) and the position of Cages were observed on the X-ray films. The range of motion (ROM) was measured. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the preoperative IH among 4 groups (F=0.166, P=0.917). No significant change was found in IH between at pre- and post-operation in group B (P>0.05); it increased after operation in groups C and D, but difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the postoperative IH among groups B, C, and D (P>0.05). The distance from Cage to the left margin was (3.06±0.51) mm in group C (close to the left) and (5.68±0.69) mm in group D (close to the middle), showing significant difference (t=6.787, P=0.000). The ROM in all directions were significantly lower in groups C and D than in groups A and B (P<0.05), and in group A than in group B (P<0.05). The right bending and compression ROM of group C were significantly higher than those of group D (P<0.05), but no statistically significant difference was found in the other direction ROM (P>0.05). ConclusionThe bullet-shaped and kidney-shaped Cages have similar results in restoring IH and maintaining the stability of the spine assisted by internal fixation. Kidney-shaped Cage is more stable than bullet-shaped Cage in the axial compression and the bending load opposite implant, it can be placed in the middle and back of the vertebral body more ideally.
Objective To evaluate the internal fixation effect, degradation, and biocompatibility of polylactic-co-glycolic acid/hydroxyapatite (PLGA/HA) absorbable cannulated screws in treatment of lateral femoral condyle fracture of canine so as to provide the theory basis for their further improvement and clinical application. Methods Sixteen adult male Beagles (weighing, 9-12 kg) were selected to prepare the models of bilateral lateral femoral condyle fracture; left fracture was fixed with PLGA/HA absorbable cannulated screws as experimental group and right fracture with metal screws as control group. At 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation, general observation was done and X-ray films were taken for observing fracture healing; bone mineral density was measured; the histological examination was performed; and the degradation property of absorbable cannulated screws was detected. Results All animals survived to the end of the experiment. General observations showed that no fracture displacement occurred and fracture healed at 12 weeks in 2 groups; no breakage, displacement, or loosening of screws was observed in experimental group. X-ray films results showed that the absorbable cannulated screws could not be found out by X-ray in experimental group, but metal screws could be found out in control group; fracture healed with time in 2 groups. The bone mineral density reached the peak at 8 weeks in 2 groups, and no significant difference was found between 2 groups and among different time points in the same group (P gt; 0.05). Histological examination showed that 2 groups had similar fracture healing process at different time points; no obvious inflammatory reaction was found around absorbable cannulated screws in experimental group. The degradation results of absorbable cannulated screws showed that the intrinsic viscosity and molecular weight distribution obviously decreased at 2 weeks; the number average molecular weight and the weight average molecular weight markedly decreased at 4 weeks; and the maximum shear force did not decrease obviously at 8 weeks, and then decreased significantly. Significant differences were found in all indexes among different time points in the same group (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion PLGA/HA absorbable cannulated screws and metal screws show similar fracture healing process for fixing lateral femoral condyle fracture of canine, and the absorbable canulated screws have good biocompatibility. The maximum shear force of PLGA/HA absorbable cannulated screw has no obvious decrease during 8 weeks after operation, so it can ensure full healing of fracture.
ObjectiveTo investigate the formation of nanostructure on cuttlefish bone transformed hydroxyapatite (CB-HA) porous ceramics and the effects of different nanostructures on the osteoblasts adhesion, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression.MethodsThe cuttlefish bone was shaped as plate with diameter of 10 mm and thickness of 2 mm, filled with water, and divided into 4 groups. The CB-HA in groups 1-4 were mixed with different phosphorous solutions and then placed in an oven at 120℃ for 24 hours. In addition, the samples in group 4 were further sintered at 1 200℃ for 3 hours to remove nanostructure as controls. The chemical composition of CB-HA were analyzed by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The physical structure was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, specific surface tester, and porosity tester. The MC3T3-E1 cells of 4th generation were co-cultured with 4 groups of CB-HA. After 1 day, the morphology of the cells was observed under scanning electron microscopy. After 1, 3, and 7 days, the cell proliferation was analyzed by MTT assay. After 7 and 14 days, the ALP expression was measured by pNPP method.ResultsX-ray diffraction spectrum showed that the four nanostructures of CB-HA were made of hydroxyapatite. The infrared absorption spectrum showed that the infrared absorption peak of CB-HA was consistent with hydroxyapatite. ICP showed that the ratio of calcium to phosphorus of all CB-HA was 1.68-1.76, which was consistent with hydroxyapatite. Scanning electron microscopy observation showed that the nanostructure on the surface of CB-HA in groups 1-3 were large, medium, and small cluster-like structures, respectively, and CB-HA in group 4 had no obvious nanostructure. There were significant differences in the specific surface areas between groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the porosity between groups (P>0.05). Compared with group 4, groups 1-3 have more pores with pore size less than 50 nm. After co-cultured with osteoblasts, scanning electron microscopy observation and MTT assay showed that the cells in groups 2 and 3 adhered and proliferated better and had more ALP expression than that in groups 1 and 4 (P<0.05).ConclusionThe size of cluster-like nanostructure on the surface of CB-HA can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of ammonium ions in the phosphorous solution, and the introduction of small-sized cluster-like nanostructure on the surface of CB-HA can significantly improve the cell adhesion, proliferation, and ALP expression of the material which might be resulted from the enlarged surface area.
This study aims to explore the vascularization of hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) biomaterials implanted in mice during osteoinduction. The HA/TCP biomaterials were implanted in muscle of mice, and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after the implantation, the materials were harvested to prepare serial sections and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The process of vascularization was dynamically described, and the area percentage of neovascularization was quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that neovascularization formation was a continuous and dynamic process. The neovascularization appeared largely in the first two weeks, with a rising trend in week 4, reached peak in week 6, and gradually reduced in week 8. The results provide ideas for improving the success rate of bone tissue engineering, and indicate the mechanism of osteoinduction.
Objective To assess the mid-term effectiveness of anterior decompression and fusion with nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) cage in treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Methods A retrospective study was made on 48 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent anterior decompression and fusion with n-HA/PA66 cage between August 2008 and January 2010. There were 33 males and 15 females with an average age of 54.5 years (range, 42-72 years). The disease duration was 3-12 months (mean, 6 months). The affected segments included 35 cases of single segment (C3, 4 in 7, C4, 5 in 18, and C5, 6 in 10) and 13 cases of double segments (C3-5 in 7 and C4-6 in 6). Of 48 patients, 28 was diagnosed as having intervertebral disc protrusion, 12 as having ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament, and 8 as having vertebral osteophyte; 35 patients underwent single segmental anterior corpectomy and fusion, and 13 patients underwent single segmental anterior discectomy and fusion. The pre- and post-operative radiographs (cervical anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films and three-dimensional CT scans) were taken to measure the segmental height and lordosis angle. Brantigan et al assessment standard and visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were used to evaluate the graft fusion and the improvement of clinical symptoms, respectively. Results All patients were followed up for 46 months on average (range, 36-54 months). No cage breaking, displacement, or sliding was found. At last follow-up, 36 cases were rated as Brantigan grade E, 10 cases as grade D, and 2 cases as grade C; the fusion rate was 96%. Both segmental height and lordosis angle were corrected significantly at immediate and 6 months after operation and last follow-up than those before operation (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found among different time points after operation (P gt; 0.05). At last follow-up, the cage subsidence was (1.3 ± 1.0) mm. The VAS and JOA scores at 6 months after operation and last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (P lt; 0.05), and the scores at last follow-up were superior to ones at 6 months after operation (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The mid-term effectiveness of anterior decompression and fusion with the n-HA/PA66 cage in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy is satisfactory because it can effectively restore and maintain segmental height and lordosis angle and promote osseous fusion.
OBJECTIVE: To prepare chitosan-gelatin/hydroxyapatite (CS-Gel/HA) composite scaffolds, and to investigate the influence of components and preparing conditions to their micromorphology. METHODS: The CS-Gel/HA composite scaffolds were prepared by phase-separation method. Micromorphology and porosity were detected by using scanning electron microscope and liquid displacement method respectively. RESULTS: Porous CS-Gel/HA composite scaffolds could be prepared by phase-separation method, and their density and porosity could be controlled by adjusting components and quenching temperature. CONCLUSION: The study suggests the feasibility of using CS-Gel/HA composite scaffolds for the transplantation of autogenous osteoblasts to regenerate bone tissue.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ability of repairing bone defect with the compound of coralline hydroxyapatite porous (CHAP), fibrin sealant(FS) and staphylococcus aureus injection (SAI), and the feasibility to use the compounds as bone substitute material. METHODS: The animal model of bone defect was made on the bilateral radius of 54 New Zealand white rabbits, which were randomly divided into the experimental group(the defect was repaired with CHAP-FS-SAI), control group(with autograft) and blank control group(the defect was left unrepaired) with 18 rabbits in each group. The ability of bone defect repair was evaluated by gross observation, histopathological study, X-ray and biomechanical analysis 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after repair. RESULTS: (1) In the 2nd week, tight fibro-connection could be found between the implant and fracture site and there were many fibroblasts and capillary proliferation with many chondrocytes around CHAP in the experimental group, while only a few callus formed, and chondrocytes, osteoblast and osteoclast existed in the control group. (2) In experimental group and control group, a large quantity of callus was found 4 and 8 weeks; ossification of chondrocytes with weave bone formation were found 4 weeks and many osteocytes and weave bones and laminar bones were found 8 weeks. (3) In the 12th week, the complete ossification of implant with well bone remodeling, a large number of mature osteocytes and laminar were found in experimental group and control group, and CHAP still existed in the experimental group; the defect area filled with fibro-scar tissue and only many fibroblasts could be seen in blank control group. (4) X-ray findings were the following: In experimental and control groups, callus formation could be seen 2 weeks postoperatively, more callus formed 4 weeks, the bone defect area disappeared and CHAP scattered in the callus 8 weeks; the fracture line disappeared and medullary cavity became united (in control group); and in the 12th week, the cortex became continuous, the medullary cavity became united, and remodeling completed, while bone defect was not still united in blank control group. The maximal torque and torsional stiffness in the experimental group is higher than those in the control group 2 weeks (P lt; 0.05), but there was no significant difference (P gt; 0.05) between the two groups 4, 8, 12 weeks after repair. CONCLUSION: The compound of CHAP-FS-SAI has good biological compatibility, and it can be used for one kind of bone substitute material to repair the bone defect.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of poly-amino acid/nano-hydroxyapatite/calcium sulfate (PHC) Cage in lumbar interbody fusion of the goat. MethodsEighteen mature female goats (weighing 29-33 kg) were divided into 3 groups randomly: PHC Cage group (group A), titanium Cage group (group B), and ilium group (group C). A left extraperitoneal approach was used to establish the animal model of discectomy and interbody fusion with Cage or ilium. The general situation was observed for 24 weeks after operation. X-ray films were taken to measure disc space height (DSH) before operation and at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after operation. CT three dimensional reconstuction was performed at 24 weeks after operation to evaluate the interbody fusion according to modified Brantigan grading. The specimens of L3, 4 were harvested for mechanical test, histological, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation at 24 weeks after operation. ResultsAll goats survived to the end of experiment. DSH at 4 weeks after operation increased when compared with preoperative one in each group, and then decreased;DSH was significantly lower at 12 and 24 weeks after operation than preoperative one in group C (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in DSH among 3 groups at preoperation and 4 weeks after operation (P>0.05);at 12 and 24 weeks after operation, DSH of groups A and B was significantly higher than that of group C (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between groups A and B (P>0.05). CT three dimensional reconstuction showed that bony fusion was obtained in all goats of groups A and C, and in 3 goats of group B;according to modified Brantigan grading, the scores of groups A and C were significantlly higher than that of group B (P<0.05), but no significant difference between groups A and C (P>0.05). The biomechanical test showed that there was no significant difference in range of motion between group A and group B (P>0.05), which were significantly lower than that of group C (P<0.05). Microscopy and SEM observations showed that the interface between the Cage and vertebral body in group A was compact without obvious gap, and most conjunctive region was filled with osseous tissue;the interface was filled with soft tissue, and the connection was slack with obvious gap in some region in group B;the interface connection was compact, most region was filled with osseous tissue in group C. ConclusionThe interbody fusion with PHC Cage is effective in goat lumbar interbody fusion model. The interface connection is compact between the Cage and the host bone followed by micro-degradation of PHC Cage, but the long-term degradation need further observation.