Published in last 50 years
Articles published on Polycarbonate Urethane
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2025.112960
- Nov 1, 2025
- Journal of biomechanics
- Jane Gruisen + 8 more
In vitro kinematic analysis of a new patient-matched polycarbonate urethane radiocarpal interposition arthroplasty.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.matdes.2025.114762
- Nov 1, 2025
- Materials & Design
- Zeping Zhang + 8 more
Anisotropic electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone)/polycarbonate urethane scaffolds with improved fatigue performance for tissue-engineered heart valves
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s13018-025-06130-2
- Oct 17, 2025
- Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
- Mehmet Yigit Akgun + 6 more
ObjectiveTo evaluate the biomechanical performance of a novel dual-cord and dual-spacer posterior dynamic stabilization system compared to a conventional single-threaded construct.MethodsA validated finite element (FE) model of the L1–S1 lumbar spine was developed. Posterior dynamic stabilization was simulated at the L4–L5 segment using two systems: a traditional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) cord with polycarbonate urethane (PCU) spacer (single-threaded), and a dual PET cord–spacer construct. Both systems were analyzed under full range of motion (ROM) loading and physiological loads using Abaqus software to simulate stress distribution and motion.ResultsThe dual-cord system enhanced segmental stability at L4–5 by approximately 22% while preserving adjacent level mobility within normal physiological limits. Peak stress levels on implant components increased marginally but remained within safe thresholds.ConclusionThe dual-cord dynamic stabilization system demonstrates improved biomechanical stability with minimal adjacent segment compromise. These results support its potential for reducing long-term mechanical failure risks in lumbar stabilization.
- Research Article
- 10.1111/aor.70028
- Oct 13, 2025
- Artificial organs
- Jan Ritter + 8 more
Heart valve diseases remain a leading cause of death in industrialized nations. Polycarbonate urethane (PCU) is a promising material for heart valve prostheses due to its biocompatibility and low calcification tendency. However, the impact of processing methods on calcification remains unclear. PCU patches were fabricated via hot pressing or solution casting. Both groups (n = 3 each), along with bovine pericardium patches as positive controls (n = 3), were incubated for 10 weeks in a custom invitro calcification fluid. Calcification, cytocompatibility, and material properties were assessed using light and electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Calcification was observed in hot-pressed PCU and control patches but not in solution-cast PCU. Both PCU types showed comparable cytocompatibility. Spectroscopy and GPC revealed chemical and structural changes in hot-pressed PCU, likely promoting calcification. Hot pressing alters the chemical structure of PCU and increases its calcification propensity without affecting cytocompatibility. These findings highlight the importance of process control and invitro screening during heart valve material development.
- Research Article
- 10.3390/jfb16100371
- Oct 1, 2025
- Journal of Functional Biomaterials
- Daniel Donaire Hoyas + 5 more
Background: Polycarbonate–urethane (PCU) is a recently developed bearing surface used in prosthetic hip surgery. It offers several theoretical advantages, including an elasticity modulus similar to that of natural cartilage, good lubrication properties, low wear, and the possibility of using large heads. However, comparative clinical experience is limited. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of the PCU bearing surface and compare them with those of ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings using the same femoral stem model. (2) Methods: Following a propensity score matching analysis of a prospectively collected database, patients with a primary total hip arthroplasty aged between 18 and 60 years were included. Subjects were divided into two groups (PCU and CoC). Demographic, patient satisfaction, and implant survival data were recorded. Clinical results were evaluated using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). (3) Results: A total of 105 patients were included in each group. All patients exhibited a positive evolution on both the HHS and the WOMAC subscales between pre-op and one year post-op, no statistically significant differences being found between the groups with respect to improvement on the HHS (p = 0.172) or the pain (p = 0.523), stiffness (p = 0.448), and physical function (p = 0.255) subscales of the WOMAC. Head sizes in the PCU group were found to be larger, but this was not seen to have any effect on the patients’ clinical status or the prostheses’ dislocation rate. Although the complication rate was similar across the groups (p = 0.828), the incidence of squeaking was higher in the PCU group (p = 0.010). No differences were observed when comparing the implant survival rate (p = 0.427). nor in mean patient satisfaction (p = 0.138). (4) Conclusions: No differences were found in terms of clinical results, complications, implant survival, or patient satisfaction between the bearing surfaces under analysis, indicating that all of them are valid alternatives in total hip replacement, although the higher proportion of squeaking observed makes it advisable to exercise some caution.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/jbm.a.37959
- Oct 1, 2025
- Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A
- Martina Todesco + 13 more
Hybrid materials are gaining increasing attention for several applications since they properly combine biological and synthetic components, leveraging the advantages of both; thus, these materials can integrate with the host organism to support proper functions, offering new promising solutions, especially in the biomedical field. In this study, we developed hybrid membranes by combining decellularized porcine pericardium with a commercial polycarbonate urethane, available in two formulations: without (AR) and with microsilica particles (AR-LT). These membranes were characterized through chemical and physical analyses; their cytocompatibility was assessed invitro via direct contact tests, and their biocompatibility was checked invivo by implanting the materials in a subdermal pouch in a rat animal model. Three kinds of mechanical tests have been performed to check different mechanical features: tensile test to rupture, to measure the mechanical resistance in terms of elastic modulus, failure strain (FS), and ultimate tensile strength (UTS); cyclic tests to assess the effects of repetitive loadings on the mechanical resistance; and stress-relaxation tests to assess the time-dependent behavior. The physicochemical analyses demonstrated that the two components well adhere to each other, with traces of the polymer on the pericardial side of the membranes. Considering mechanical response, coupling pericardium with the polymer causes a reduction of FS and UTS compared to the individual components. Hybrid materials show a viscoelastic behavior while loading cycles do not cause significant changes in their tensile resistance. Invitro tests showed no cytotoxic effects, with cell proliferation observed for up to 7 days. Invivo, 8 weeks after implantation, the hybrid membranes exhibited better integration with host tissue compared to the polymer alone (control), and the polymeric component did not show any sign of degradation. The improved integration was demonstrated by increased neovascularization around the implant, reduced fibrotic capsule thickness, lower expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), and stable body weight of the rats throughout the experiment. This study highlights the potential of the hybrid membranes for tissue engineering applications, combining favorable biocompatibility and adequate mechanical features.
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s13346-025-01942-5
- Aug 25, 2025
- Drug delivery and translational research
- Alfonso F Blanco + 6 more
Knee osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease, is increasingly prevalent worldwide and often results from a meniscal deterioration that leads to meniscus removal. Replacing the damaged meniscus with a non-biodegradable prosthesis offers an innovative solution to prevent OA progression, particularly in older patients. However, the long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief and prosthesis integration can cause severe off-target side effects. The objective of this work was to design and develop drug-loaded bilayer polymer films to be used as coatings for a meniscus polycarbonate urethane (PCU). The developed bilayer polymer films enabled a sustained release of two anti-inflammatory drugs - dexamethasone (DEX) and celecoxib (CLX) - with distinct release kinetics (1-4 weeks for DEX and 6-9 months for CLX). This release profile was defined to modulate post-surgical and chronic inflammation within the knee joint, respectively. Two bilayer prototypes showed consistent biodegradation, drug release, drug loading, and reproducibility. Furthermore, the systems were sterile, biocompatible, and maintained the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the released drugs, effectively reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion from human primary macrophages.
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s13239-025-00792-z
- Jul 14, 2025
- Cardiovascular engineering and technology
- Saskia Thoenissen + 6 more
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the standard treatment for patients with aortic diseases at high surgical risk. Transcatheter heart valve prostheses (THV) are inserted into the aortic valve, creating a new area between the native and artificial leaflets. This area, known as neo-sinus, increases the thrombogenicity of THVs. But there is a lack of testing methods that evaluate thrombogenicity in vitro. To analyze the flow field within the native sinus and the neo-sinus, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was performed with a thrombosis tester. Additionally, a comparative study was conducted with porcine blood on two polycarbonate urethane valves, with and without neo-sinus, respectively. Blood samples collected every hour were analyzed for platelet count, coagulation via ROTEM parameters, and plasma-free hemoglobin. Thrombus formation was detected optically. The PIV measurements yield a physiological flow field in the aortic root that were consistent with those reported in literature. The analyzed blood parameters reveal no obvious difference between the valve with neo-sinus and the valve without. A higher amount of thrombus material for the valve with neo-sinus was found. The visualized flow field shows low velocities and stagnation zones due to the presence of native leaflets. Clot formation at the heart valve prostheses are in accordance with in-vivo findings. The benchmark of the two valves indicates an increased thrombogenic potential due to the neo-sinus. The thrombosis tester simulates the natural environment after TAVR. Thereby, newly developed THVs can be evaluated in vitro and consequently optimized regarding their thrombogenicity.
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s13018-025-05996-6
- Jul 8, 2025
- Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
- Yaokuan Ruan + 7 more
BackgroundAvascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus presents considerable clinical challenges and is frequently associated with poor treatment outcomes. While 3D-printed customized talar prosthesis has shown promising potential in total talar replacement (TTR), current materials create a hard–soft mismatch with native cartilage, increasing local stress, accelerating wear, and causing complications. The objective of this study was to identify the most suitable combination of buffering layer material and thickness for talar prosthesis.MethodsThis study employed dynamic biplane radiography (DBR) integrated with finite element analysis (FEA) to systematically evaluate how prosthetic material selection and buffering layer thickness affect periprosthetic cartilage biomechanics. We investigated the effects of mechanical stress on prosthesis adjacent cartilage (PAC) in 8 participants using 9 commonly used prosthetic materials with varying elastic moduli, combined with different cushioning layer thicknesses, across 5 gait phases. Statistical analyses included repeated measures ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD post hoc tests, and a linear mixed-effects model to assess the impact of material properties and thickness on PAC stress.ResultsCompliant buffering layers composed of 3 mm polycarbonate urethane (PCU) effectively restored cartilage stress distributions to physiologically native levels during key phases of gait. We also found that soft prosthetic materials significantly reduce PAC stress compared to conventional hard materials. All hard prosthesis (Al2O3, Ti-6Al-4 V, CoCrMo, PyC and PEEK) showed higher stress than native group (p < 0.01). Notably, a buffering layer thickness of 1.5 mm with an elastic modulus below 43.32 MPa, or a 3 mm layer with an elastic modulus below 96.94 MPa, significantly reduced PAC stress to levels comparable to the native condition.ConclusionsOur results indicate that when the prosthesis incorporates a 1.5-mm buffering layer with an elastic modulus below 43.32 MPa, or a 3 mm layer with an elastic modulus below 96.94 MPa, the peak stress in the PAC closely approximates that of the native condition. Furthermore, our findings indicate that a 3 mm PCU layer shows potential as a buffering component for talar prostheses. These findings provide preliminary insights for optimizing the material selection and structural design of talar prosthesis in TTR.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/pat.70247
- Jun 30, 2025
- Polymers for Advanced Technologies
- Jila Majidi + 4 more
ABSTRACTAmniotic membrane (AM) is a popular corneal reconstruction dressing. Low mechanical strength, high biodegradation, and difficult handling make its use in medical procedures problematic. The study involved decellularizing and lyophilizing AM, then covering it with a thin layer of a core‐shell structured emulsion of polycarbonate urethane (PCU) and silk fibroin (SF) using spinning at different speeds. This resulted in an ultrathin bilayer wound dressing membrane (less than 80 μm in thickness), which improved both mechanical behavior and transparency. The covering of PCU‐silk on AM created a three‐dimensional environment with nano/microstructures conducive to stem cell development and multiplication. The biological and mechanical properties of the bilayer membrane were meticulously analyzed in vitro. The scaffold exhibited markedly enhanced mechanical characteristics in comparison to additive manufacturing alone. The decellularized AM served as the outer layer, providing a biomimetic and biocompatible surface for cell adhesion and tissue regeneration. The core‐shell structure, consisting of PCU and silk, offered mechanical strength and flexibility to the dressing. The fabricated dressing was evaluated for its physical, biological, and mechanical properties. Results showed that the bilayer wound dressing possessed suitable characteristics for wound‐healing applications, such as high tensile strength, good biocompatibility, and enhanced cell adhesion properties. Overall, the developed dressing holds great promise for promoting wound healing and skin tissue regeneration.
- Research Article
- 10.1021/acsami.5c00174
- Apr 14, 2025
- ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
- Rashmi Pandey + 6 more
Device-associated infections are a major challenge forhealthcareand cause patient morbidity and mortality as well as pose a significanteconomic burden. Infection-causing bacteria and fungi are equallynotorious and responsible for biofilm formation and the developmentof antibiotic and antifungal-resistant strains. Biomaterials resistingbacterial and fungal adhesion can address device-associated infectionsmore safely and efficiently than conventional systemic antibiotictherapies. Herein, we present a combination of potent antibacterialnitric oxide (NO) with antifungal fluconazole codelivery system froma polymeric matrix to combat bacterial and fungal infections simultaneously.The NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine(SNAP)-blended low-water-uptake polycarbonate urethane (TSPCU) wasdip-coated with high-water-uptake polyether urethane (TPU) containingfluconazole to have an antibacterial and antifungal surface. The compositeswere characterized for surface wettability and coating stability usingwater contact angle (WCA) analysis. The real-time NO release (72 h)was evaluated using a chemiluminescence-based nitric oxide analyzerwhich showed physiologically relevant levels of NO released. The compositesreleased fluconazole for 72 h under physiological conditions. Antibacterialanalysis demonstrated a > 3-log reduction of viable Staphylococcus aureus and >2-log reduction ofviable Escherichia coli compared tocontrols. The antifungalevaluation resulted in ∼98% reduction in adhered and ∼92%reduction in planktonic Candida albicans. The SNAP-fluconazole composites also showed biocompatibility againstmouse fibroblast cells. This novel preventative strategy to combatbacterial and fungal infections may offer a promising tool for furthertranslational research.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/jbm.b.35579
- Apr 1, 2025
- Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials
- Jane A E Gruisen + 6 more
Wear particles invariably form due to contact and friction between articulating surfaces in orthopedic prosthetic joint replacements. Polycarbonate urethane (PCU) has shown low wear rates and invoked minimal local biological response to wear debris in various orthopedic applications. However, controlled preclinical studies have not yet studied the biological response to PCU particles in synovial joints. This study aims to evaluate the biological response to mostly submicron-sized PCU wear particles in synovial joints in a rabbit model representing a worst-case scenario. PCU and ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethene (UHMWPE) particles were generated invitro, and particle characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Fifteen New Zealand white rabbits, divided into three groups, received bilateral injections in the knee joint with 10 mg/mL PCU, UHMWPE particles, or saline (all 0.2 mL). After 3 months, the biological response in the joint was evaluated by histopathological reactivity scoring. The generated PCU and UHMWPE wear particles were mainly in the biologically active size range with an average equivalent circle diameter (ECD) of 0.31 μm (±0.48) and 6.99 μm (±16.32), respectively. There was a minimal to non-existing biological response (score ≤ 0.5) to PCU (0.5 ± 1.0), UHMWPE particles (0.6 ± 1.3) and saline (0.0 ± 0.0). Also, the wear particles did not disperse from the injection site. The results of this study support the use of PCU as a bearing surface in orthopedic prosthetic joint replacements by indicating that even in the likelihood that wear particles are generated, they are not likely to trigger a strong inflammatory response.
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s12891-025-08504-3
- Mar 17, 2025
- BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Po-Hsin Chou + 5 more
BackgroundOLIF (oblique lumbar interbody fusion) is a minimally invasive surgery to treat spinal instability. However, clinical studies indicated the early degeneration of adjacent segments after surgery. The rod stiffness of OLIF was associated with change at adjacent segments. Therefore, the study aimed to compare the biomechanical effects of OLIF with different rod material properties using the finite element (FE) method.MethodsA validated L1-L5 lumbar spine was conducted in the biomechanical analysis using FE software ANSYS. The FE model of OLIF with a rod was created. Current biocompatible materials for the rod of the OLIF model were changed, including titanium alloy (OLIF_Ti), nickel-titanium alloy (OLIF_NiTi), and polycarbonate urethane (OLIF_PCU) rod. Four FE models, consisting of the intact model (INT) and implant models, were created. Hybrid control loads, such as flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending, were subjected to four models on the L1 vertebral body. The bottom of the L5 vertebral body was fixed.ResultsAt the surgical level, while compared to the INT model, the OLIF_Ti and OLIF_NiTi model resulted in a ROM reduction of over 40% at least, but the OLIF_PCU changed about 10% in flexion and extension. At adjacent level L2-L3, the FE results indicated that the OLIF_Ti and OLIF_NiTi model increased more stress by about 12% at least than the INT model at the adjacent segment, but it demonstrated that the OLIF_PCU would not result in stress rise at the adjacent level L2-L3 in flexion and extension.ConclusionThe study concluded that rod stiffness was associated with change at the adjacent segments. The use of OLIF surgery with PCU rods can minimize the impact of the adjacent segment after lumbar fusion.
- Research Article
1
- 10.1097/crd.0000000000000869
- Jan 30, 2025
- Cardiology in review
- Bluyé Demessie + 5 more
Endosaccular flow disruption has emerged as a transformative approach for treating wide-neck intracranial aneurysms, which are characterized by neck diameters exceeding 4 millimeters or dome-to-neck ratios below 2. This review examines the technical specifications and clinical outcomes of major endosaccular devices, including the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device, the Artisse embolization device, the Medina embolization device, the neck bridging device for bifurcation aneurysms, the polycarbonate urethane membrane-assisted device, the Galaxy saccular endovascular aneurysm lattice, and the Contour Neurovascular System. Analysis of pivotal trials reveals varying degrees of efficacy and safety across platforms. The WEB device demonstrated complete occlusion rates of 51.7% to 56.1% at 1 year, with adequate occlusion reaching 84.6% in the WEB Intrasaccular Therapy Study trial and sustained improvement in 76.8% of cases at 5 years. The Artisse system showed initial promise but concerning declines in adequate occlusion from 66.7% at 6 months to 57.1% at 36 months. More recent innovations such as the Galaxy SEAL device achieved complete occlusion in 76.9% of cases in preliminary studies in 1 year. Thromboembolic complications occurred in 12.9% to 17.7% of cases across devices though procedure-related mortality remained below 2%. While the WEB device has established a robust safety and efficacy profile through long-term follow-up data, newer technologies demonstrate promising early results but require extended surveillance. Current challenges focus on optimizing device sizing, improving delivery systems, and enhancing material properties to maximize occlusion rates while minimizing complications. The evolution of these technologies continues to expand treatment options for complex aneurysms previously challenging to address through conventional endovascular or surgical approaches.
- Research Article
1
- 10.1177/00952443251314826
- Jan 12, 2025
- Journal of Elastomers & Plastics
- Zuhal Yurtbasi + 1 more
In this study, the thermal, rheological, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties of two new-generation thermoplastic polymers, namely cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and polycarbonate urethane (PCU) elastomers, were compared to those of a conventional thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were used for thermal examinations, while rheological, tensile, and solid-state creep tests were used for viscoelastic and mechanical analyses. The DSC results revealed that all elastomers had two different T g values, which were −23 and 7.5°C for PCU, −40 and 95°C for TPU, and 4 and 55°C for COC. Moreover, PCU had an amorphous and more compatible structure than PCU and TPU. In the DMA, it was also observed that COC melted at approximately 90°C, while PCU and TPU melted at about 155°C. In the tensile tests, it was observed that COC showed higher strength at 30°C, but it lost its strength more effectively than the other polymers with increasing temperature and exhibited similar performance to all specimens at 50°C. Finally, in the solid-state creep tests, COC exhibited the highest creep resistance at 30°C, while its creep strain increased with temperature more effectively than those of the other elastomers.
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.05.042
- May 28, 2024
- Acta Biomaterialia
- Heithem Ben Amara + 10 more
Toward a disruptive, minimally invasive small finger joint implant concept: Cellular and molecular interactions with materials in vivo
- Research Article
- 10.1002/jbm.a.37738
- May 20, 2024
- Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A
- Dieu Thao Nguyen + 6 more
Wound infection and excessive blood loss are the two major challenges associated with trauma injuries that account for 10% of annual deaths in the United States. Nitric oxide (NO) is a gasotransmitter cell signaling molecule that plays a crucial role in the natural wound healing process due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cell proliferation, and tissue remodeling abilities. Tranexamic acid (TXA), a prothrombotic agent, has been used topically and systemically to control blood loss in reported cases of epistaxis and combat-related trauma injuries. Its properties could be incorporated in wound dressings to induce immediate clot formation, which is a key factor in controlling excessive blood loss. This study introduces a novel, instant clot-forming NO-releasing dressing, and fabricated using a strategic bi-layer configuration. The layer adjacent to the wound was designed with TXA suspended on a resinous bed of propolis, which is a natural bioadhesive possessing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The base layer, located furthest away from the wound, has an NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), embedded in a polymeric bed of Carbosil®, a copolymer of polycarbonate urethane and silicone. Propolis was integrated with a uniform layer of TXA in variable concentrations: 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 vol % of propolis. This design of the TXA-SNAP-propolis (T-SP) wound dressing allows TXA to form a more stable clot by preventing the lysis of fibrin. The lactate dehydrogenase-based platelet adhesion assay showed an increase in fibrin activation with 7.5% T-SP as compared with control within the first 15 min of its application. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed the presence of a dense fibrin network stabilizing the clot for fabricated dressing. The antibacterial activity of NO and propolis resulted in a 98.9 ± 1% and 99.4 ± 1% reduction in the colony-forming unit of Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, respectively, which puts forward the fabricated dressing as an emergency first aid for traumatic injuries, preventing excessive blood loss and soil-borne infections.
- Research Article
- 10.3390/bioengineering11050436
- Apr 28, 2024
- Bioengineering
- Martina Todesco + 9 more
The production of biomedical devices able to appropriately interact with the biological environment is still a great challenge. Synthetic materials are often employed, but they fail to replicate the biological and functional properties of native tissues, leading to a variety of adverse effects. Several commercial products are based on chemically treated xenogeneic tissues: their principal drawback is due to weak mechanical stability and low durability. Recently, decellularization has been proposed to bypass the drawbacks of both synthetic and biological materials. Acellular materials can integrate with host tissues avoiding/mitigating any foreign body response, but they often lack sufficient patency and impermeability. The present paper investigates an innovative approach to the realization of hybrid materials that combine decellularized bovine pericardium with polycarbonate urethanes. These hybrid materials benefit from the superior biocompatibility of the biological tissue and the mechanical properties of the synthetic polymers. They were assessed from physicochemical, structural, mechanical, and biological points of view; their ability to promote cell growth was also investigated. The decellularized pericardium and the polymer appeared to well adhere to each other, and the two sides were distinguishable. The maximum elongation of hybrid materials was mainly affected by the pericardium, which allows for lower elongation than the polymer; this latter, in turn, influenced the maximum strength achieved. The results confirmed the promising features of hybrid materials for the production of vascular grafts able to be repopulated by circulating cells, thus, improving blood compatibility.
- Research Article
4
- 10.1002/jbm.a.37691
- Mar 11, 2024
- Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A
- Pieter P W Van Hugten + 8 more
Currently available focal knee resurfacing implants (FKRIs) are fully or partially composed of metals, which show a large disparity in elastic modulus relative to bone and cartilage tissue. Although titanium is known for its excellent osseointegration, the application in FKRIs can lead to potential stress-shielding and metal implants can cause degeneration of the opposing articulating cartilage due to the high resulting contact stresses. Furthermore, metal implants do not allow for follow-up using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).To overcome the drawbacks of using metal based FKRIs, a biomimetic and MRI compatible bi-layered non-resorbable thermoplastic polycarbonate-urethane (PCU)-based FKRI was developed. The objective of this preclinical study was to evaluate the mechanical properties, biocompatibility and osteoconduction of a novel Bionate® 75D - zirconium oxide (B75D-ZrO2) composite material in vitro and the osseointegration of a B75D-ZrO2 composite stem PCU implant in a caprine animal model. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of the B75D-ZrO2 composite were characterized through in vitro mechanical tests under ambient and physiological conditions. In vitro biocompatibility and osteoconductivity were evaluated by exposing human mesenchymal stem cells to the B75D-ZrO2 composite and culturing the cells under osteogenic conditions. Cell activity and mineralization were assessed and compared to Bionate® 75D (B75D) and titanium disks. The in vivo osseointegration of implants containing a B75D-ZrO2 stem was compared to implants with a B75D stem and titanium stem in a caprine large animal model. After a follow-up of 6 months, bone histomorphometry was performed to assess the bone-to-implant contact area (BIC). Mechanical testing showed that the B75D-ZrO2 composite material possesses an elastic modulus in the range of the elastic modulus reported for trabecular bone. The B75D-ZrO2 composite material facilitated cell mediated mineralization to a comparable extent as titanium. A significantly higher bone-to-implant contact (BIC) score was observed in the B75D-ZrO2 implants compared to the B75D implants. The BIC of B75D-ZrO2 implants was not significantly different compared to titanium implants. A biocompatible B75D-ZrO2 composite approximating the elastic modulus of trabecular bone was developed by compounding B75D with zirconium oxide. In vivo evaluation showed an significant increase of osseointegration for B75D-ZrO2 composite stem implants compared to B75D polymer stem PCU implants. The osseointegration of B75D-ZrO2 composite stem PCU implants was not significantly different in comparison to analogous titanium stem metal implants.
- Research Article
- 10.1055/s-0043-1778092
- Jan 1, 2024
- VCOT Open
- Peter Böttcher + 2 more
Abstract The aim of this study was to describe template-guided implantation and clinical outcome of a patient-specific resurfacing implant for an extensive humeral head osteochondritis in a client-owned dog. An 8-month-old intact female Irish Wolfhound, weighing 45 kg, exhibiting lameness in the right thoracic limb, and diagnosed with an extensive caudocentral humeral head osteochondritis. Based on computed tomography data, an anatomically contoured patient-specific implant (Ø 25 mm) was created. The implant consisted of a trabecular titanium base and a polycarbonate urethane bearing cup. For intraoperative guidance, a surgical drill guide, models of the affected humeral head, and trial implants were 3D printed. The implantation procedure was performed using the modified Cheli approach. Orthopaedic and radiographic follow-up examinations were conducted at 6 weeks and 10 months postoperatively. The examination revealed stable implant position, and some mild residual lameness at 6 weeks. Furthermore, the mild osteophytosis, initially evident on the day of surgery, showed a progression during each subsequent follow-up. Complications were not observed at any time point. At 10 months, the dog was free of lameness and exhibited no functional impairment, even after strenuous exercise. This level of activity remained unchanged up to the latest follow-up at 18 months, as confirmed during a telephonic interview. The utilization of a patient-specific resurfacing implant using a guided approach was technically feasible and resulted in excellent short- to mid-term clinical outcome in this case of extensive caudocentral humeral head osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesion. However, it is crucial to note that the potential influence of the implant on osteoarthritis progression requires further investigation.