Effects of Simvastatin on Osseointegration in a Canine Total Hip Arthroplasty Model: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Simvastatin was recently demonstrated to stimulate bone morphogenetic protein–2 expression, leading to bone formation. The present study was designed to evaluate whether simvastatin administered by injection could promote osseointegration in a canine total hip arthroplasty model. Fifteen dogs were divided into 3 groups of 5 dogs each: group 1 (high-dosage simvastatin, 6.0 mg/[kg d]), group 2 (low-dosage simvastatin, 3.0 mg/[kg d]), and a control group (isotonic saline, 3.0 mg/[kg d]). Osseointegration was assessed by using the push-out test, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometer microanalysis, and histomorphometric examination. The results showed higher mechanical strength, greater area of bone covering the femoral component, and higher bone-implant contact in group 1 than in the other 2 groups. Our findings indicate that simvastatin administered by injection could contribute significantly to osseointegration in a canine total hip arthroplasty model.