scholarly journals Additive-manufactured Ti-6Al-4 V/Polyetheretherketone composite porous cage for Interbody fusion: bone growth and biocompatibility evaluation in a porcine model

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-I Tsai ◽  
Meng-Huang Wu ◽  
Yen-Yao Li ◽  
Tzu-Hung Lin ◽  
Jane S. C. Tsai ◽  
...  

Abstract Background We developed a porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite interbody cage by utilizing the advantages of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium alloy (Ti alloy) in combination with additive manufacturing technology. Methods Porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite cages were manufactured using various controlled porosities. Anterior intervertebral lumbar fusion and posterior augmentation were performed at three vertebral levels on 20 female pigs. Each level was randomly implanted with one of the five cages that were tested: a commercialized pure PEEK cage, a Ti alloy/PEEK composite cage with nonporous Ti alloy endplates, and three composite cages with porosities of 40, 60, and 80%, respectively. Micro-computed tomography (CT), backscattered-electron SEM (BSE-SEM), and histological analyses were performed. Results Micro-CT and histological analyses revealed improved bone growth in high-porosity groups. Micro-CT and BSE-SEM demonstrated that structures with high porosities, especially 60 and 80%, facilitated more bone formation inside the implant but not outside the implant. Histological analysis also showed that bone formation was higher in Ti alloy groups than in the PEEK group. Conclusion The composite cage presents the biological advantages of Ti alloy porous endplates and the mechanical and radiographic advantages of the PEEK central core, which makes it suitable for use as a single implant for intervertebral fusion.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-I Tsai ◽  
Meng-Huang Wu ◽  
Yen-Yao Li ◽  
Tzu-Hung Lin ◽  
Jane SC Tsai ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: We developed a porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite interbody cage by utilizing the advantages of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium alloy (Ti alloy) in combination with additive manufacturing technology. Methods: Porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite cages were manufactured using various controlled porosities. Anterior intervertebral lumbar fusion and posterior augmentation were performed at three vertebral levels on 20 female pigs. Each level was randomly implanted with one of the five cages that were tested: a commercialized pure PEEK cage, a Ti alloy/PEEK composite cage with nonporous Ti alloy endplates, and three composite cages with porosities of 40%, 60%, and 80%, respectively. Micro-computed tomography (CT), backscattered-electron SEM (BSE-SEM), and histological analyses were performed.Results: Micro-CT and histological analyses revealed improved bone growth in high-porosity groups. Micro-CT and BSE-SEM demonstrated that structures with high porosities, especially 60% and 80%, facilitated more bone formation inside the implant but not outside the implant. Histological analysis also showed that bone formation was higher in Ti alloy groups than in the PEEK group. Conclusion: The composite cage presents the biological advantages of Ti alloy porous endplates and the mechanical and radiographic advantages of the PEEK central core, which makes it suitable for use as a single implant for intervertebral fusion.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-I Tsai ◽  
Meng-Huang Wu ◽  
Yen-Yao Li ◽  
Tzu-Hung Lin ◽  
Jane SC Tsai ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: We developed a porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite interbody cage by utilizing the advantages of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium alloy (Ti alloy) in combination with additive manufacturing technology. Methods: Porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite cages were manufactured using various controlled porosities. Anterior intervertebral lumbar fusion and posterior augmentation were performed at three vertebral levels on 20 female pigs. Each level was randomly implanted with one of the five cages that were tested: a commercialized pure PEEK cage, a Ti alloy/PEEK composite cage with nonporous Ti alloy endplates, and three composite cages with porosities of 40%, 60%, and 80%, respectively. Micro-computed tomography (CT), backscattered-electron SEM (BSE-SEM), and histological analyses were performed. Results: Micro-CT and histological analyses revealed improved bone growth in high-porosity groups. Micro-CT and BSE-SEM demonstrated that structures with high porosities, especially 60% and 80%, facilitated more bone formation inside the implant but not outside the implant. Histological analysis also showed that bone formation was higher in Ti alloy groups than in the PEEK group. Conclusion: The composite cage presents the biological advantages of Ti alloy porous endplates and the mechanical and radiographic advantages of the PEEK central core, which makes it suitable for use as a single implant for intervertebral fusion.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly E. Weiss-Bilka ◽  
Matthew J. Meagher ◽  
Joshua A. Gargac ◽  
Glen L. Niebur ◽  
Ryan K. Roeder ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Collagen-based scaffolds reinforced with hydroxyapatite (HA) are an attractive choice for bone tissue engineering because their composition mimics that of bone. We previously reported the development of compression-molded collagen-HA scaffolds that exhibited high porosity, interconnected pores, and mechanical properties that were well-suited for surgical handling and fixation. The objective of this study was to investigate these novel collagen-HA scaffolds in combination with human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) as a template for bone formation in a subcutaneous athymic mouse model. Methods Collagen-HA scaffolds and collagen-only scaffolds were fabricated as previously described, and a clinically approved bone void filler was used as a control for the material. Constructs were seeded with hASCs and were pre-treated with either control or osteogenic media. A cell-free group was also included. Scaffolds were implanted subcutaneously in the backs of athymic nude mice for 8 weeks. Mineral deposition was quantified via micro-computed tomography. Histological and immunofluorescence images of the explants were used to analyze their vascular invasion, remodeling and cellularity. Results Cell-free collagen-HA scaffolds and those that were pre-seeded with osteogenically differentiated hASCs supported mineral deposition and vascular invasion at comparable rates, while cell-seeded constructs treated with the control medium showed lower mineralization after implantation. HA-reinforcement allowed collagen constructs to maintain their shape, provided improved cell-tissue-scaffold integration, and resulted in a more organized tissue when pre-treated in an osteogenic medium. Scaffold type and pre-treatment also determined osteoclast activity and therefore potential remodeling of the constructs. Conclusions The results of this study cumulatively indicate that treatment medium and scaffold composition direct mineralization and angiogenic tissue formation in an ectopic model. The data suggest that it may be necessary to match the scaffold with a particular cell type and cell-specific pre-treatment to achieve optimal bone formation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zi-Li Yu ◽  
Bin-Fang Jiao ◽  
Zu-Bing Li

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive lipid molecule, has recently emerged as physiological and pathophysiological regulator in skeletal biology. Here we evaluate the effects of LPA on bone formation in vivo in murine femoral critical defect model. Primary femoral osteoblasts were isolated and treated with osteogenic induction conditional media supplemented with 20 μM LPA or LPA analogue. Mineralized nodules were visualized by Alizarin Red S staining. Forty-five C57BL/6 mice underwent unilateral osteotomy. The femoral osteotomy gap was filled with porous scaffolds of degradable chitosan/beta-tricalcium phosphate containing PBS, LPA, or LPA analogue. 2, 5, and 10 weeks after surgery, mice were sacrificed and femurs were harvested and prepared for Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) and histological analysis. Alizarin Red S staining showed that LPA and LPA analogue significantly enhanced the mineral deposition in osteoblasts. Micro-CT 3D reconstruction images and HE staining revealed that significantly more newly formed bone in osteotomy was treated with LPA analogue when compared to control and LPA group, which was verified by histological analysis and biomechanical characterization testing. In summary, our study demonstrated that although LPA promotes mineralized matrix formation in vitro, the locally administrated LPA was not effective in promoting bone formation in vivo. And bone formation was enhanced by LPA analogue, administrated locally in vivo. LPA analogue was a potent stimulating factor for bone formation in vivo due to its excellent stability.


Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 284
Author(s):  
Kaichi Ozone ◽  
Yuichiro Oka ◽  
Yuki Minegishi ◽  
Takuma Kano ◽  
Takanori Kokubun ◽  
...  

How various types of muscle contraction during exercises affect bone formation remains unclear. This study aimed to determine how exercises with different muscle contraction types affect bone morphology. In total, 20 mice were used and divided into four groups: Control, Level, Down Slow, and Down. Different types of muscle contraction were induced by changing the running angle of the treadmill. After the intervention, micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase/alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze the humerus head, tendon-to-bone attachment, and humerus diaphyseal region. Micro-CT found that the volume ratio of the humeral head, the volume of the tendon-to-bone attachment region, and the area of the humeral diaphyseal region increased in the Down group. However, no difference was detected in bone morphology between the Level and Down Slow groups. In addition, histology showed activation of ALP in the subarticular subchondral region in the Down Slow and Down groups and the fibrocartilage region in the tendon-to-bone attachment. Moreover, Osterix increased predominantly in the Down Slow and Down groups.Overall bone morphological changes in the humerus occur only when overuse is added to EC-dominant activity. Furthermore, different type of muscle contractile activities might promote bone formation in a site-specific manner.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Honfang Chen ◽  
Mingke Guo ◽  
Lin Du ◽  
Chen Han ◽  
Haijun Tian ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: The goal of this study was to establish a rhBMP-2 induced posterolateral intertransverse lumbar fusion model in the mouse to serve as an acceptable substitute for models using larger animals, such as the rat, by defining the pertinent anatomy and establishing an effective dosing regimen in the mouse. Methods: Forty 10-week-old male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomized into five groups and were subjected to posterolateral lumbar fusion surgery at the L5-L6 level and received the following assigned treatment regimens: Group A: carrier collagen sponge only; Group B: 0.05μg rhBMP-2 on a collagen sponge; Group C: 0.15μg rhBMP-2 on a collagen sponge; Group D: 0.5μg rhBMP-2 on a collagen sponge; and Group E: 1.5μg rhBMP-2 on a collagen sponge. The study was ended at eight weeks post-operation and standard x-ray and micro-computed tomography imaging were performed in addition to histological examination of dissected spine specimens. Results: BMP-2 induced new bone at all dose levels in a dose-related manner. The mice implanted with rhBMP-2 at the dose of 0.5μg demonstrated more bone formation and a higher fusion rate compared to mice receiving lower doses. More abundant bone formation could be induced by higher dose regimen, which could also result in poorer bone quality. Conclusions: Posterolateral lumbar fusion at the L5-L6 level can be successfully accomplished in mice. The dose of 0.5μg of rhBMP-2 delivered on a collagen sponge appears to be the optimal regimen to produce the most satisfactory fusion results.


Author(s):  
Gozde Serindere ◽  
Ceren Aktuna Belgin ◽  
Kaan Orhan

Background: There are a few studies about the evaluation of maxillary first premolars internal structure with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The aim of this study was to assess morphological features of the pulp chamber in maxillary first premolar teeth using micro- CT. Methods: Extracted 15 maxillary first premolar teeth were selected from the patients who were in different age groups. The distance between the pulp orifices, the diameter of the pulp and the width of the pulp chamber floor were measured on the micro-CT images with the slice thickness of 13.6 µm. The number of root canal orifices and the presence of isthmus were evaluated. Results: The mean diameter of orifices was 0.73 mm on the buccal side while it was 0.61 mm on palatinal side. The mean distance between pulp orifices was 2.84 mm. The mean angle between pulp orifices was -21.53°. The mean height of pulp orifices on the buccal side was 4.32 mm while the mean height of pulp orifices on the palatinal side was 3.56 mm. The most observed shape of root canal orifices was flattened ribbon. No isthmus was found in specimens. Conclusion: Minor anatomical structures can be evaluated in more detail with micro-CT. The observation of the pulp cavity was analyzed using micro-CT.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 891
Author(s):  
Taylor Flaherty ◽  
Maryam Tamaddon ◽  
Chaozong Liu

Osteochondral scaffold technology has emerged as a promising therapy for repairing osteochondral defects. Recent research suggests that seeding osteochondral scaffolds with bone marrow concentrate (BMC) may enhance tissue regeneration. To examine this hypothesis, this study examined subchondral bone regeneration in scaffolds with and without BMC. Ovine stifle condyle models were used for the in vivo study. Two scaffold systems (8 mm diameter and 10 mm thick) with and without BMC were implanted into the femoral condyle, and the tissues were retrieved after six months. The retrieved femoral condyles (with scaffold in) were examined using micro-computed tomography scans (micro-CT), and the micro-CT data were further analysed by ImageJ with respect to trabecular thickness, bone volume to total volume ratio (BV/TV) ratio, and degree of anisotropy of bone. Statistical analysis compared bone regeneration between scaffold groups and sub-set regions. These results were mostly insignificant (p < 0.05), with the exception of bone volume to total volume ratio when comparing scaffold composition and sub-set region. Additional trends in the data were observed. These results suggest that the scaffold composition and addition of BMC did not significantly affect bone regeneration in osteochondral defects after six months. However, this research provides data which may guide the development of future treatments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideki Ueyama ◽  
Yoichi Ohta ◽  
Yuuki Imai ◽  
Akinobu Suzuki ◽  
Ryo Sugama ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) induce osteogenesis in various environments. However, when BMPs are used alone in the bone marrow environment, the maintenance of new bone formation is difficult owing to vigorous bone resorption. This is because BMPs stimulate the differentiation of not only osteoblast precursor cells but also osteoclast precursor cells. The present study aimed to induce and maintain new bone formation using the topical co-administration of recombinant human BMP-2 (rh-BMP-2) and zoledronate (ZOL) on beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) composite. Methods β-TCP columns were impregnated with both rh-BMP-2 (30 µg) and ZOL (5 µg), rh-BMP-2 alone, or ZOL alone, and implanted into the left femur canal of New Zealand white rabbits (n = 56). The implanted β-TCP columns were harvested and evaluated at 3 and 6 weeks after implantation. These harvested β-TCP columns were evaluated radiologically using plane radiograph, and histologically using haematoxylin/eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichrome (MT) staining. In addition, micro-computed tomography (CT) was performed for qualitative analysis of bone formation in each group (n = 7). Results Tissue sections stained with H&E and MT dyes revealed that new bone formation inside the β-TCP composite was significantly greater in those impregnated with both rh-BMP-2 and ZOL than in those from the other experimental groups at 3 and 6 weeks after implantations (p < 0.05). Micro-CT data also demonstrated that the bone volume and the bone mineral density inside the β-TCP columns were significantly greater in those impregnated with both rh-BMP-2 and ZOL than in those from the other experimental groups at 3 and 6 weeks after implantations (p < 0.05). Conclusions The topical co-administration of both rh-BMP-2 and ZOL on β-TCP composite promoted and maintained newly formed bone structure in the bone marrow environment.


Author(s):  
Jiangfeng Li ◽  
Junying Li ◽  
Yuhao Wei ◽  
Na Xu ◽  
Jingtao Li ◽  
...  

Vanadium is an important trace element in bone to involve in bone metabolism, bone formation, and bone growth, but roles of various vanadium ions, especially pentavalent vanadium, in bone tissue...


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