Mechanical and histological fixation of hydroxylapatite-coated pyrolytic carbon and titanium alloy implants: a report of short-term results

Historically, pyrolytic carbon has been a material for cardiovascular applications, but it has several properties suited for orthopedic uses as well. Pyrolytic carbon has an elastic modulus similar to bone and is highly fatigue resistant, but has not been used in orthopedics because of poor fixation to bone. Plasma sprayed hydroxylapatite (HA) has significantly improved the bonding of bone to titanium alloy implants. The effect of plasma-sprayed HA on pyrolytic carbon implants was investigated in this study. Cylindrical samples were implanted through a single cortex in Beagle femurs. The animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks, and a mechanical push-out test was performed on the implants immediately after explantation. Samples were microradiographed, stained for histology, and examined histomorphometrically. Interface strength for each type of implant was calculated. Pyrolytic carbon showed almost no attachment strength with an average strength value of 1.59 MPa. HA-coated pyrolytic carbon (8.71 MPa) yielded the same interfacial strength as HA-coated titanium (8.71 MPa). Histology revealed that bone was in direct apposition to all implants, both HA coated and noncoated. Failures occurred between the core material and the coating, or within the coating, but not at the bone/HA interface. Histomorphometry results confirmed that the two types of HA-coated implants had more bone apposition than the uncoated pyrolytic carbon implants. It was concluded that a plasma sprayed HA coating significantly improves the bone fixation of pyrolytic carbon.     

Histological and mechanical comparison of hydroxyapatite-coated cobalt-chrome and titanium implants in the rabbit femur

The purpose of this study was to compare hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium (Ti) and HA-coated cobalt-chrome (CoCr) implants in the distal femur of the rabbit by evaluating bone apposition and interfacial shear strength. Bilateral cylindrical implants with a plasma sprayed 50-microns thick HA coating were press-fit into the metaphyseal cancellous bone of the lateral femoral condyles in a transverse fashion, and the animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks postimplantation. Mechanical strength of the interface between HA and bone was measured using the pushout method. For histologic analysis, the fractional linear extent of bone apposition was quantitated. No differences were found in the interfacial shear strength between the Ti and CoCr at any time period. The amount of bone apposition increased significantly at each time interval for both substrate metals, but there were no significant differences between the two substrates at any of the time periods studied. The HA-coated CoCr implants performed in a similar manner to the HA-coated Ti implants, both mechanically and histologically, suggesting that HA-coated CoCr implants deserve further study as a viable alternative to Ti for the biological fixation of total joint components in orthopaedic surgery.     

Resorption of hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite coatings in man. An experimental study in trabecular bone

The clinical use of hydroxyapatite (HA) coating is controversial especially in regard to the long-term performance of the coating and the effects of resorption. In each of 15 consenting patients we inserted two implants, coated with either HA or fluorapatite (FA) into the iliac crest. They were harvested at a mean of 13.6 +/- 0.6 months after surgery. Histological examination showed that bone ongrowth on the HA-coated implants was significantly greater (29%) than that on the FA-coated implants. When bone was present on the coating surface the HA coating was significantly thicker than the FA coating. When bone marrow was present, the HA coating was significantly thinner than the FA coating. The reduction in coating thickness when covered by bone or bone marrow was 23.1 +/- 9.7 microm for HA and 5.1 +/- 1.7 microm for FA (p < 0.01) suggesting that FA is more stable than HA against resorption by bone marrow. The findings suggest that in man the osteoconductive properties of HA coating are superior to those of FA. Resorption rates for both coatings were approximately 20% of the coating thickness per year. Bone ongrowth appears to protect against resorption whereas bone marrow seems to accelerate resorption. No adverse reaction was seen in the surrounding bone.     

Bone ingrowth to implant surfaces in an inflammatory arthritis model

Many studies have shown enhanced bone apposition to implants coated with hydroxyapatite, but the optimum implant texture, especially in abnormal trabecular bone, is unclear. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the histological and mechanical properties of cylindrical implants with three different surface textures that were placed in the cancellous bone of the distal femur of the rabbit after the production of an inflammatory knee arthritis. The three implant surfaces included a beaded surface (Group A), a beaded surface coated with hydroxyapatite (Group B), and a smooth surface coated with hydroxyapatite (Group C). The right knees of 36 rabbits were injected with carrageenan twice a week for 2 weeks. Then bilateral implantations were performed, with 12 rabbits in each group receiving identical implants in the right and left knees. The rabbits were killed 6 weeks after surgery. Mechanical (push-out test) and histomorphometric analyses were performed to determine the quality and quantity of bone ingrowth. In Group A, there was virtually no direct contact (a 20-60-microm clearance) between the bone and the beaded surfaces. Direct contact between the bone and the implant surfaces was seen in Groups B and C. The thickness and number of trabeculae were smaller on the arthritic side than on the control side for all groups but were not different between groups for either the control or the arthritic side. Mechanical testing showed that the shear strength of the interface was weaker on the arthritic side in all groups. The results suggest that inflammatory arthritis induced by carrageenan may influence the quality of local bone (osteopenic changes) and hence compromise the bone apposition and mechanical stability of the interface between the implant and bone.     

Rapid bone resorption adjacent to hydroxyapatite-coated implants

This paper describes rapid bone resorption in the peri-implantitis of HA implants based on both our clinical observations of and histological research on extracted dense hydroxyapatite (HA) implants. The surfaces of extracted HA implants were rough, although they were smooth at fixture placement. Plaque formed on the necks of the implants, whereas little plaque was seen on the bottoms. The plaque consisted of cocci and rods, including filamentous bacteria. Few spirochetes were observed. Although surrounding bone was formed rapidly around the HA implant, bone thickness gradually decreased compared with the titanium implant. These facts suggest that the rigid biointegration of HA with the thin surrounding bone--that is, the overstressing of the bone--causes rapid bone resorption rather than plaque accumulation on HA.     

Effect of chronic bile duct obstruction and LPS upon targeting of naproxen to the liver using naproxen-albumin conjugate

In order to avoid the potential risks of disease transmission in allograft surgery, numerous substitute materials have been described. As the biological response to implant materials is different, we undertook the following study to assess type and amount of bone ingrowth in CaP-ceramics. 105 cylindrical bone defects with a diameter of 5.4 mm were created surgically in the femoral condyles of 53 skeletal mature NZW rabbits. The defects were filled with crushed coralline hydroxyapatite (HA) implants (n = 21), synthetically produced hydroxyapatite (n = 21) and surface-modified alpha-Tricalciumphosphate (TCP) grains (n = 21). 21 defects were left empty and other drill holes were filled with rabbit cancellous bone cylinders (n = 21) after 3 months of cryopreservation at -78 degrees C without sterilization. Following observation periods of 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 26 and 52 weeks the femoral condyles were harvested for histological evaluation and quantitative analysis of bone ingrowth. Woven bone formation at implant periphery can be observed in all substances as early as 2 weeks postoperatively. At 4-week-intervals cryopreserved allografts show new bone apposition on surfaces of necrotic trabeculae and graft-host junctions by a predominantly osteoblastic reaction at the periphery of all cylinders, while in HA- and TCP-grains early bone formation in the center of drill holes is detectable as well. There is a direct contact between HA-/TCP-particles and newly formed bone without fibrous tissue formation at the implant surfaces. Central new bone formation in rabbit allografts can be observed after 6 to 8 weeks together with a secondary osteoclastic resorption of necrotic transplant trabeculae. The result of this remodeling process is a complete degradation of transplant cylinders with reorganization of vital trabeculae oriented in a mature pattern after 12 to 26 weeks. In contrast the HA- and TCP-implants did not show any signs of resorption.     

Effect of acetaldehyde generated from ethanol by ADH-transfected CHO cells on their membrane fatty acid profiles

Unloaded cylindrical grit-blasted titanium (Ti-6A-4V) implants (6 x 10 mm) coated with hydroxyapatite ceramic were inserted into the proximal part of the humerus of 20 skeletally mature Labrador dogs. The implants were initially surrounded by a 2 mm gap. In 10 dogs, HA-coated implants without growth factor were inserted in one humerus and implants with 0.3 microgram rhTGF-beta 1 adsorbed onto the HA coating were inserted in the contralateral humerus. In another group of 10 dogs, a dose of 3.0 micrograms rhTGF-beta 1 was tested in a similar design. All dogs were killed at 6 weeks after treatment. Results were evaluated by histomorphometry and mechanical push-out testing. Bone ongrowth was increased by one third, using the 0.3 mg rhTGF-beta 1 stimulation. Bone volume in the gap and mechanical testing showed no statistically significant differences between control and rhTGF-beta 1 stimulated implants. RhTGF-beta 1 only moderately enhanced bone ongrowth to hydroxyapatite-coated implants.     

Histological and biomechanical analysis of bone and interface reactions around hydroxyapatite-coated intramedullary implants of different stiffness: a pilot study on the goat

We hypothesized that reduced stem stiffness of orthopaedic implants contributes to a high risk of loosening, since interface stresses and relative motions may exceed a tolerable range. To study this hypothesis, three types of load-bearing implant with different stiffnesses were inserted into the tibia of the goat. Histological analysis was performed of bone repair after insertion of the implant, bone ingrowth, interface disruption and loosening. A finite element model of the configuration provided the quantitative range of interface stresses and relative motions for the present experiment. The implants were made out of stainless steel, hollow titanium and a thin titanium core covered with a polyacetal coating. The stiffness ratios of these implants were approximately 10:4:1, respectively. All implants were coated with a layer of hydroxyapatite (HA) in order to minimize the possible biological effects of the different implant materials. Irrespective of the type of implant, there was a repair phase that lasted 6-12 weeks. The stiff implants functioned well. Large areas of bone bonding to the HA layer were found after the repair phase at 12 weeks postoperatively. After 24 weeks, some signs of loosening were observed. More loosening occurred with the hollow titanium and polyacetal implants, mainly during the repair phase. Three hollow titanium and three polyacetal coated implants survived this period, and were killed after 24 weeks. The integrity of the HA layer at the bone-implant interface of the titanium implants was good. In the polyacetal implants, the repair reaction of the cortical bone was incomplete. Bone ingrowth into HA was largely lacking. In conclusion, we found significant differences in the repair and interface reactions around implants of different stiffness. Stiff implants showed favourable initial interface conditions for bone ingrowth. Intermediate and flexible implants provoked unfavourable interface conditions for initial bone ingrowth. The finite element study showed that the flexible stems produce larger micromotions and higher interface stresses at the bone-prosthesis interface than the stiff stems, indicating an explanation for the histological findings.     

Preclinical testing of total hip stems. The effects of coating placement

The long-term fixation endurance of noncemented hip stems in total hip arthroplasty is subject to incompatible design goals. To reduce stress shielding and periprosthetic bone loss, proximal fixation and load transfer are indicated. However, to prevent interface motion and promote interface-bonding security, fixation preferably should be maximized over the entire stem surface. In this study, the authors questioned whether hydroxyapatite coatings could be applied in patterns that reduce bone resorption, while maintaining safe interface stress levels. For that purpose, strain-adaptive bone-remodeling theory was applied in 3-dimensional finite element models, to simulate the long-term postoperative bone resorption process. During the process, the adaptation of interface stresses was monitored, and its effects on interface failure probability evaluated. This analysis was done for a fully coated stem, a 1/3 proximally coated stem, a smooth uncoated, press-fitted stem, and a stem with 5 proximal patches of circumferential stripes. The uncoated stem reduced bone loss dramatically, but promoted interface motions and distal pedestal formation. In all cases, the gradual bone-remodeling process increased the interface security of the coated stems. Bone loss and interface failure probability were not very different for the fully and 1/3-coated stems. Stripe coating reduced bone resorption considerably, while increasing long-term interface failure probability only slightly. The investigators concluded that the initial stability and the ingrowth potential of such a stem design are likely to be inadequate.     

Nasal lavage as tool for health effect assessment of photochemical air pollution

In order to achieve esthetically more satisfying results, it has been proposed to place ITI implants with their border between the rough and smooth surfaces below the level of the alveolar crest, thereby obtaining a submucosally located implant shoulder following healing. The aim of the present experimental study was to clinically and radiographically evaluate the tissue response to the placement of one-stage transmucosal implants with the border between the rough and the smooth surfaces sunk by 1 mm into a subcrestal location. 11 patients underwent comprehensive dental care including the placement of 2 implants of the ITI Dental Implant System in the same quadrant (test and control). Randomly assigned control implants were placed according to the manufacturer's instructions, i.e. the border between the rough titanium plasma-sprayed and the smooth polished surfaces precisely at the alveolar crest. At the test implant the apical border of the polished surface was placed approximately 1 mm below the alveolar crest. Probing bone levels were assessed at implant placement (baseline), 4 and 12 months later. Modified plaque and modified gingival indices were recorded at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 12 months. Clinical probing depth and "attachment" levels were measured at 4 and 12 months. All parameters were assessed at 6 sites around each implant. The mean for each implant was calculated and used for analysis. The Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test and the Student t-test were applied to detect differences over time and between the test and control implants. At baseline, a mean difference in probing bone level of -0.86 mm (SD 0.43 mm, p < 0.05) was found between test and control implants with the test implants being placed more deeply. Both test and control implants lost a significant amount of clinical bone height during the first 4 months (test 1.16 mm, p < 0.05; control 0.58 mm, p < 0.05). However, only the test implants significantly lost clinical bone height from 4-12 months (test 1.04 mm, p < 0.05; control 0.45 mm, p = 0.08). Overall, the test implants lost 2.26 mm and the control implants 1.02 mm of bone height during the first year of service. On the average, the test implants demonstrated a bone level of 0.38 mm lower than the controls at 12 months. Except for the modified gingival index at 4 months (mean difference 0.21, SD 0.19, p < 0.05), no clinical parameters yielded significant differences between test and control implants at any time. It is concluded that in addition to the crestal bone resorption occurring at implants placed under standard conditions, the bone adjacent to the polished surface of more deeply placed ITI implants is also lost over time. From a biological point of view, the placement of the border between the rough and the smooth surfaces into a subcrestal location should not be recommended.     

Magnetic resonance imaging lesion analysis in neurofibromatosis type 1

The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the clinical outcome and marginal bone resorption of three different endosseous implants placed in the anterior mandibles of 15 elderly patients. Eleven women and 4 men (ranging from 65 to 80 years, mean 71 years) had three different endosseous implants placed in the anterior mandible; one titanium plasma-sprayed cylinder implant (4-mm diameter), one titanium cylinder implant with hydroxyapatite coating (4-mm diameter), and one standard threaded titanium implant (3.75-mm diameter). Three months later, at the second-stage surgical procedure, ball abutments were connected and an overdenture was placed. At 12, 24, and 36 months, marginal bone resorption and Periotest values were recorded. None of the implants was lost in this period. An analysis of variance with repeated measurement was performed annually to test the existence of significant differences between the implants. When differences appeared, paired t tests were used to identify which differences were significant. Bonferroni multipliers were used to adjust for multiple testing. When marginal bone resorption was concerned, threaded titanium and hydroxyapatite-coated implants had significantly better scores than titanium plasma-sprayed cylinder implants. Periotest values for hydroxyapatite-coated implants were significantly better than test values for the other implants after 2 years. After 3 years significance was obtained between hydroxyapatite and screw-shaped implants only (P < .05). It was concluded that titanium plasma-sprayed cylinder implants have a less favorable prognosis than the other implants used in this study.     

Structural arrangements at the interface between plasma sprayed calcium phosphates and bone

Plasma sprayed coatings of tetracalcium phosphate, magnesium whitlockite and three types of hydroxyapatite, varying in degree of crystallinity, were evaluated with light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and backscatter electron microscopy (BSE) after implantation periods of 1, 2 and 4 wk in rat femora. BSE revealed that both tetracalcium phosphate and semi-crystalline hydroxyapatite underwent distinct bulk degradation and loss of relatively large particles. Amorphous hydroxyapatite showed a gradual surface degradation, indicated by a transition zone varying in grey level between that of the coating and bone tissue, while degradation was negligible with the highly crystalline material and magnesium whitlockite. Degradation appeared to be related to bone apposition, since more bone seemed to be present on amorphous hydroxyapatite and tetracalcium phosphate, as compared to highly crystalline hydroxyapatite and magnesium whitlockite coatings. At the interface between bone and magnesium whitlockite, a seam of unmineralized bone-like tissue was frequently seen with light microscopy, while few areas with bone contact were present. X-ray microanalysis revealed that both the magnesium whitlockite coating and the unmineralized bone-like tissue contained substantial amounts of aluminium which, in addition to possible influences of magnesium, may have caused the impaired mineralization. The results of this preliminary study indicate that, with regard to early bone formation, amorphous hydroxyapatite coatings seem to be beneficial over highly crystalline coatings. However, further experiments should be performed to give conclusive data on (i) the statistical significance of the differences in bone apposition rate, and (ii) the long-term behaviour of both amorphous and highly crystalline coatings in bone and their relation to implant performance.     

Quantitative histologic evaluation of LTI carbon, carbon-coated aluminum oxide and uncoated aluminum oxide dental implants

The response of mandibular bone to identical geometry LTI carbon, carbon-coated aluminum oxide, and uncoated aluminum oxide blade-type dental implants in baboons for 2 years was evaluated using histologic, microradiographic, and scanning electron microscopic methods. In addition, a quantitative histologic analysis was performed identifying the type, amount, and distribution of tissue surrounding the dental implant systems. This is the final phase of a study investigating the effect of implant elastic modulus and implant surface chemical composition on the performance of dental implants. Previous studies have utilized clinical and radiographic evaluations, postretrieval mechanical testing, and finite element stress analysis to evaluate the dental implant performance. The results of the histologic study revealed a direct implant-bone interface with no intervening soft tissue in 16 of the 21 implants (76%). A fibrous tissue interface was observed in 5 of 21 implants (24%). Quantitative histologic results for the implants with a direct implant-bone interface showed statistically larger crestal cortical plates (p less than 0.05) and greater area fraction crestal cancellous bone (p less than 0.05) in the LTI carbon implant compared to the carbon-coated and uncoated aluminum oxide implants. The carbon-coated and uncoated aluminum oxide implants demonstrated statistically greater area fraction cancellous bone at the inferior region of the implant (p less than 0.05) and thinned and reduced crestal cortical plates when compared to the LTI carbon implants. The results indicate that significant stress shielding of the crestal bone had occurred with the rigid carbon-coated and uncoated aluminum oxide implants when compared to the LTI carbon implants which had a material elastic modulus similar to cortical bone. Based upon the histologic results, it appears that the LTI carbon implants with the direct implant-bone interface exhibited a greater potential for long-term successful performance compared to the aluminum oxide substrate implants.     

Differential effects of aromatic and charged residue substitutions in the RNA binding domains of the yeast poly(A)-binding protein

A new modified thermal decomposition method is described for preparing a double layered coating on titanium plates which includes an initial perovskite (CaTiO3) layer followed by a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer on top. The characterization of the coating was studied by X-ray diffractometry and infrared spectroscopy and indicated that the double layer consisted of carbonate HA and CaTiO3 and the thickness of the layer was 4 microns. The coating was performed on the inner surfaces of 50-200 microns sized pores and was also consistent in the smallest of the pores even those of 50 microns. Bone formation was examined in canines at 2-32 week intervals and was dominant on coated plates and in large-sized pores before 16 weeks. However, after 16 weeks bone ingrowth was similar in non-coated and coated plates and in all pore sizes. The results indicated that HA could only influence early bone ingrowth, though good bone ingrowth into small pores indicated that HA exhibited enhanced osteocompatibility. Our methodology ensured the stability of the HA layer consequently minimizing the problems associated with HA loss.     

Formation of Hydroxyapatite Coating on Anodic Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes via an Efficient Dipping Treatment

Hydroxyapatite (HA) depositions on metallic biomedical implants have been widely applied to generate bioactive surfaces in simulated biological environments. Meanwhile, highly ordered TiO₂ nanotubes obtained via anodization have attracted increasing interest for biomedical applications. However, the capability to grow HA coating on TiO₂ nanotubes at room temperature remains problematic. In this study, we applied a dipping treatment for biomimetic formation of an adhesive HA coating on titanium dioxide nanotubes. The coatings formed using this procedure did not require high-temperature annealing or high supersaturation of the simulated biological condition. The as-formed TiO₂ nanotubes on titanium were treated using several dip-and-dry steps, through which the TiO₂ nanotubes were filled and covered with calcium phosphate nucleation sites. The specimens readily grew HA once immersed in the original simulated biological fluid (SBF) after little more than 12 hours. The carbonated HA coating was formed with 10-??m thickness after 4 days of immersion, while only a few calcium phosphate particles were observed on annealing TiO₂ nanotubes immersed in the same solution for the same duration. Tensile testing showed that the bonding strength between HA coating and substrate was 27.2 ± 1.6 MPa. This treatment dramatically improved efficiency for promoting HA formation on anodic TiO₂ nanotubes at room temperature.     

Plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings on titanium substrates. Part 1: Mechanical properties and residual stress levels

Heat treatment and the introduction of a Ti bond coat have been applied to hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings sprayed using different plasma powers and gas mixtures. Attempts were made in this way to achieve optimal coating properties for orthopaedic implants. In particular, the effects on the degree of crystallinity, the adhesion, the OH ion content and the purity were evaluated. Heat treatment at 700 C for 1 h in air proved to be effective in increasing the crystallinity, regaining the OH- ion and removing other non-HA compounds, although it caused a significant decrease in the degree of adhesion (interfacial fracture toughness) for those specimens sprayed at high powers. This heat treatment was found to induce significant transformation of amorphous HA to the crystalline form, while not detrimentally changing the properties of the underlying Ti-6Al-4V substrates. Precoating with a 100 microm Ti layer increased the adhesion of the HA coatings on Ti-6Al-4V substrates, primarily by providing a rougher surface and promoting better mechanical interlocking. Changes in coating properties during immersion in biological fluids were also studied and were found to depend critically on the chemical composition of the fluids. Small precipitates formed on the coating surfaces when immersed in Ringers solution. These might account for the apparent drop in the degree of crystallinity when measured using X-ray diffraction. A significant drop in the interfacial adhesion was found for those coatings sprayed at high powers. This could be offset by prior precoating with a titanium bond coat and suitable heat treatment. In summary, the following processing sequence is suggested in order to achieve optimum coating properties: precoating the substrate with a layer of Ti (approximately 100 microm), spraying HA at a sufficiently high-power level (depending on particle size and gas mixture) and heat treatment at 700 degrees C for 1 h in air.     

Hematopoietic precursor cell exhaustion is a cause of proliferative defect in primitive hematopoietic stem cells (PHSC) after chemotherapy

The aim of the present study is to determine the possibility of measuring the bone mineral density (BMD) around implants by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Therefore, the trabecular BMD was measured close to 127-600 microns and at a distance from various uncoated and Ca-P-coated implants inserted into the femoral condyle of goals. The implants were left in situ for 12 weeks. In addition, the bone-implant interface was evaluated histologically. For comparative reasons the BMD of non-implanted lateral and medial femoral condyles was also measured. The reproducibility of the measurements, expressed as a coefficient of variation, was found to be 0.44%. Moreover, the regions closest to the implants exhibited a higher BMD than all other regions, and the regions located in the medial condyle showed a higher BMD than the lateral condylar regions. Although the histological sections of the implants in the medial condyle demonstrated more bone contact with the coated than with the uncoated implants, a higher density was measured around the uncoated implants. The results regarding the non-implanted condyles indicated a higher density in the medial than in the lateral condyle. In view of these results, we conclude that BMD around dental implants depends on the location of the implant and that DEXA appears to be an excellent tool for analysing bone-implant reactions.     

Histological comparison of early wound healing following dense hydroxyapatite granule grafting and barrier placement in surgically-created bone defects neighboring implants

The purpose of this study was to examine early wound healing following grafting of dense hydroxyapatite granules (HA granules) and barrier placement in surgically-created bone defects surrounding implants. Eight healthy adult dogs with an average weight of 15 kg were used in this study. Thirty-two bone defects measuring 4 mm x 4 mm were removed with a surgical bur to form continuous bucco-lingual bone defects and 32 implants (16 titanium [Ti]) and 16 hydroxyapatite-coated [HA]) were then placed into the defects. Four implant groups were created: 1) grafting HA; 2) covering with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane; 3) grafting HA and covering with ePTFE membrane; and 4) control (no treatment). Animals were sacrificed 28 days after surgery. Histological sections revealed large amounts of newly-formed bone in all bone defects surrounding the implants treated with ePTFE membranes alone. Fibrous encapsulation of HA granules was observed in the defects of the HA granules grafting group. In the group with grafting of HA granules and covering with ePTFE membranes, small amounts of bone tissue were observed among HA granules, but most HA granules were surrounded with fibrous tissue. Bone defects were completely filled with connective tissue in the control group. There were no differences in the histological findings between Ti and HA-coated implants in all cases. Histomorphometric data disclosed that the presence of HA granules in the bone defects significantly arrested bone formation. Our study suggests that the grafting of dense HA into bone defects surrounding implants will result in fibrous healing during the early healing stage.     

Interfacial shear strength of cast and directionally solidified NiAl-sapphire fiber composites

The feasibility of fabricating intermetallic NiAl-sapphire fiber composites by casting and zone directional solidification has been examined. The fiber-matrix interfacial shear strengths measured using a fiber push-out technique in both cast and directionally solidified composites are greater than the strengths reported for composites fabricated by powder cloth process using organic binders. Microscopic examination of fibers extracted from cast, directionally solidified (DS), and thermally cycled composites, and the high values of interfacial shear strengths suggest that the fiber-matrix interface does not degrade due to casting and directional solidification. Sapphire fibers do not pin grain boundaries during directional solidification, suggesting that this technique can be used to fabricate sapphire fiber reinforced NiAl composites with single crystal matrices.     

Evaluation of bovine-derived bone protein with a natural coral carrier as a bone-graft substitute in a canine segmental defect model

The efficacy of a bone-graft substitute (bovine-derived bone protein in a carrier of natural coral) in the healing of a segmental defect of a weight-bearing long bone was evaluated. Twenty dogs, divided into two groups, underwent bilateral radial osteotomies with creation of a 2.5 cm defect. On one side of each dog, the defect was filled with autogenous cancellous bone graft. Contralateral defects received, in a blinded randomized fashion, cylindrical implants consisting of natural coral (calcium carbonate) or calcium carbonate enhanced with a standard dose of bovine-derived bone protein (3.0 mg/implant; 0.68 mg bone protein/cm3). The limbs were stabilized with external fixators, and all animals underwent monthly radiographs. They were killed at 12 (group 1) or 24 (group 2) weeks, and regenerated bone was studied by biomechanical testing and histology. Radiographic union developed in all 20 radii with autogenous cancellous bone grafts and in all 10 of the radii with the composite implants. None of the radii with implants of calcium carbonate alone showed radiographic evidence of union. This represented a statistically significant difference between implant types. In addition, calcium carbonate implants both with and without bone protein demonstrated radiographic evidence of near total resorption of the radiodense carrier by 12 weeks. This resorption facilitated radiographic evaluation of healing. Mean values for biomechanical parameters of radii with the composite implants exceeded those for the contralateral controls at 12 and 24 weeks; the difference was statistically significant at 12 weeks. Histology revealed scant residual calcium carbonate carrier at either time in the defects with calcium carbonate implants; however, a moderate amount was present in defects with the composite implants. In these specimens, the residual carrier was completely surrounded by newly formed bone that may have insulated the calcium carbonate from further degradation. The present study used a carrier of granular calcium carbonate reconstituted with bovine type-I collagen to deliver an osteoinductive protein to the defect site. This carrier is of nonhuman origin (eliminating the risk of disease transmission or antigenicity) and resorbs rapidly. In this model, bovine-derived bone protein in a natural coral carrier performed consistently better than the gold standard autogenous cancellous bone graft in terms of the amount of bone formation and strength of the healed defect. This may have implications for removal of hardware or resumption of weight-bearing in certain clinical situations. These data also indicate that coralline calcium carbonate alone represents a poor option as a bone-graft substitute in this critical-sized segmental defect model.