Abstract
Herein, spinal fixation implants were constructed using degradable polymeric materials such as PGA–PLA block copolymers (poly(glycolic acid-b-lactic acid)). These materials were reinforced by blending with HA-g-PLA (hydroxyapatite-graft-poly lactic acid) and PGA fiber before being tested to confirm its biocompatibility via in vitro (MTT assay) and in vivo animal experiments (i.e., skin sensitization, intradermal intracutaneous reaction, and in vivo degradation tests). Every specimen exhibited suitable biocompatibility and biodegradability for use as resorbable spinal fixation materials.
Highlights
The shortcomings of the metallic fixation implant system can be overcome by using bioresorbable and biodegradable polymeric materials, as these materials eliminate the need for a second surgery, exhibit radiolucency, are corrosion resistant, and prevent the accumulation of metal ion in tissues; the use of these materials is associated with less pain and promotes the stress-shielding effect [5,6,7]
These implants are often manufactured from polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and their random copolymer (PLGA), their biodegradability due to the presence of non-resorbable moieties is still unknown, as it relates to the effects exerted on the strength-enhancing self-reinforcing traits https://dx.doi.org/
The number of repeating units of the PLA and PGA block in the copolymer was determined from the 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum by comparing the relative proton peak intensity (x) of an end-group with a known number of protons (y) to that of the repeating chain unit of interest using the following equation [18]: nx =
Summary
Resorbable materials are often employed to construct spinal fixation implants commonly used to restore damaged bone or bone tissue during orthopedic surgery. The shortcomings of the metallic fixation implant system can be overcome by using bioresorbable and biodegradable polymeric materials, as these materials eliminate the need for a second surgery, exhibit radiolucency, are corrosion resistant, and prevent the accumulation of metal ion in tissues; the use of these materials is associated with less pain and promotes the stress-shielding effect [5,6,7] These implants are often manufactured from polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and their random copolymer (PLGA), their biodegradability due to the presence of non-resorbable moieties is still unknown, as it relates to the effects exerted on the strength-enhancing self-reinforcing traits. Biodegradation tests were conducted using animal models via histochemical analysis
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