Vitallium Alloy Research Articles

Biofilm Growth on Orthopaedic Cerclage Materials: Nonmetallic Polymers Are Less Resistant to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Bacterial Adhesion

BackgroundData on bacterial adhesion to cerclage cables are sparse. We aimed to compare 5 cerclage products for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) adhesion to determine the claim: Are nonmetallic polymer cables more resistant to bacterial adhesion than common metallic wires and cables? MethodsThe following 5 cerclage products were compared: (1) monofilament stainless steel (SS) wires; (2) multifilament SS cables; (3) multifilament cobalt chrome cables; (4) multifilament Vitallium alloy (cobalt-chrome-molybdenum [Co-Cr-Mo]) cables; and (5) multifilament nonmetallic polymer cables. Each was cut into 2 cm lengths and placed into 12-well plates. Of the wells, 5 were wire or cables in trypticase soy broth with MRSA, with the remaining wells being appropriate controls incubated for 24 hours at 37° C and 5% CO2 with shaking. Wires and cables were prepared and randomly imaged via scanning electron microscopy, with bacterial counts performed on 3 images of 3 different wires or cables per study group. The scanning electron microscopy technician and counting investigator were blinded. Additionally, SS wire and polymer cables were analyzed by microcalorimetry for metabolic activity and bacterial load. ResultsBacterial attachment differed significantly between study groups in the middle section (P = .0003). Post hoc comparison showed no difference between groups individually (all P > .05) apart from polymer cables (median 551 bacteria) having significantly increased attached bacteria compared to the Vitallium alloy cable (157, P = .0004), SS cable (101, P = .0004), and SS wire (211, P = .0004). There was no difference between polymer and cobalt chrome cables (133, P = .056). Microcalorimetry supported these results, as polymer cables had a shorter time to max heat flow (6.2 versus 7.5 hours, P = .006), increased max heat flow (117 versus 64 uW, P = .045), and increased colony-forming units, indicating an increased bacterial load compared to SS wires. ConclusionsThis in vitro study demonstrated that polymer cables have increased MRSA adhesion compared to common metallic wires and cables. Future studies are necessary to confirm the translation of increased bacterial adherence on polymer cables to increased rates of orthopaedic infections.

Corrosion and Metal Release Investigation of a Porous Biomedical Vitallium Alloy Coated with 58S Sol-Gel Bioactive Glass

Corrosion and Metal Release Investigation of a Porous Biomedical Vitallium Alloy Coated with 58S Sol-Gel Bioactive Glass

Total Talar Replacement With Custom-Made Vitallium Prosthesis for Talar Avascular Necrosis.

Background: The current study investigated the application of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in the treatment of talar avascular necrosis (TAN). Custom-made Vitallium talar prostheses were designed and generated via 3D printing. We hypothesized that these talar prostheses would facilitate more stable positioning, better ergonomically fit the ankle joint surfaces, and promote favorable long-term prognoses. Material and Methods: Computed tomography scans of both ankle joints were acquired from three patients diagnosed with TAN. The talar on the unaffected side was used as the design blueprint. Hence, with the aid of 3D printing technology a customized talar prosthesis made from a novel Vitallium alloy could be manufactured for each individual patient. Results: In all three cases there were no signs of prosthesis loosening or substantial degenerative change in the surrounding area of the joint, but small osteophytes were observed on the tibial side and navicular side. No chronic infection or other prosthesis-related complications were observed in any of the patients. All three were able to walk without pain at the most recent follow-up. Conclusion: With the aid of 3D printing and a novel Vitallium alloy, total talar replacement achieved encouraging results in 3/3 patients. All patients were satisfied with their joint function, and were able to return to their daily activities without limitations. Although more cases and longer-term follow-up periods are required, the success rate reported herein is encouraging.

Fabrication and characterization of porous biomedical Vitallium alloy with 58S bioglass coating prepared by sol-gel method

Cobalt-based alloys are used as medical implants due to their excellent mechanical properties and suitable biocompatibility. However, its application in the body is restricted due to mechanical mismatch and bio neutrality. This study aimed to fabricate a porous Vitallium alloy and apply 58S bioglass coating on this substrate to improve its mechanical and bioactivity behavior. Porous scaffold with porosity about 36% was fabricated and then, the 58S bioglass coated by sol-gel method on the porous substrate. After drying the coating, it stabilized at a temperature of 600 °C for 1 h. The results showed that all of the formed cobalt phases after sintering were gamma phase with an FCC crystalline structure. The results also showed that the compressive strength and modulus were about 80 MPa and 0.40 GPa, respectively. The porosity percentage of sintered porous Vitallium decreased by about 2% after coating, and the size distribution of the porosities was in the range of 100–400 μm. The coated sample showed significantly higher bioactivity than that of the uncoated sample. According to the collected results, it can be pointed out that the Vitallium porous scaffold with bioglass coating could be chosen for the bone implants.

Galvanic Corrosion Between Ti/Ti6Al4V and Various Dental Alloys

<p>The corrosion tendencies of metals are related with their position in the electromotive series. These electrode potential degrees may change due to the composition of the alloys, the surrounding medium or due to the alterations in the composition because of the recurrent costing. The galvanic corrosion appears when different electrochemical potentials are bound to one another and the electrical conductibility is assured by the presence of an electrolyte. It is difficult to avoid coupling of different metals, a problem concerning the choice of the alloy used for the implant bone supra-structure. One has studied the galvanism of several couples formed between a dental implant and diverse dental alloys in Afnor saliva. The electrochemical behavior of 8 commercial dental alloy superstructures with titanium and titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) implants was investigated by electrochemical techniques. Non-precious alloys were Ni-Cr based (Wiron NT and Verasoft), Co-Cr based (Vitallium alloy) and Cu based (Gaudent). Semi-precious alloys were Ag-Pd based (RX91 and Unique White). The precious alloys were Au-Pd based (Ceram) and Au-Ag based (Argenco). Some of the corroded and non-corroded surfaces were observed by optical microscopy. From linear polarization curves the corrosion potential and the current densities were evaluated. The results showed very low corrosion rates, ranking from 10<sup>-6</sup> to 10<sup>-9</sup> A/cm<sup>2</sup>. All the results obtained indicate the fact that the corrosion process intensity corresponding to the coupling between titanium (respectively Ti6Al4V) and semi-precious alloys is reduced. The surface of precious and semi-precious alloys is not attacked, but the titanium (Ti6Al4V) surface is oxidized in time.</p>

Smith-Petersen and early development of hip arthroplasty.

Dr. Marius N. Smith-Petersen, in Boston, MA, USA, introduced the mould arthroplasty (1923). He used a reactive synovial-like membrane that he found had developed around a piece of glass he had removed from a workman's back, which had been imbedded there for a year. The original design was a ball-shaped, hollow hemisphere of glass that could fit over the femoral head of the hip joint. The objective was to stimulate cartilage regeneration on both sides of the moulded glass joint. Smith-Peterson intended to remove the glass after the cartilage had been restored. Glass provided a new, smooth surface for movement, and although proving biocompatible, it could not withstand the stresses of walking and quickly failed. Smith-Petersen succeeded in his endeavour by using Vitallium alloy.

Laryngotracheal reconstruction using a Vitallium alloy miniplate.

When stenosis of the larynx and trachea involves loss to anterior support, this is usually corrected by an autograft of costochondral cartilage or of hyoid bone anchored with suture material. This paper describes an alternative technique employing a Vitallium alloy miniplate placed anterior to the airway as a means for providing support. This is placed over a fascial or auricular cartilage graft. Together, they provide a smooth scaffold for mucosal migration. Thirteen patients were treated at Indiana University Medical Center between 1991 and 1993 by means of this technique. Ten of the 13 patients (77%) achieved an adequate airway to allow decannulation. There have been no significant complications related to the use of the miniplate, and specifically, there have been no instances of infection or extrusion. It has been unnecessary to remove any of the miniplates. The Vitallium alloy miniplate offers unique advantages in laryngotracheal reconstruction in that it not only accurately approximates tissues, but it also provides external support to the airway.

The mandibular subperiosteal implant denture: A fourteen-year study

A n analysis of 74 of the 80 patients undergoing or having experienced mandibular subperiosteal implant denture (MSID) therapy at the University of Southern California, School of Dentistry was conducted to evaluate the 1Cyear follow-up results. The design and prosthodontic procedures used have been reported by Bodine et al’s2 and the initial report on the MSID was given at 5 years by Bodine et al3 The fabrication of the mandibular subperiosteal implant framework and superstructure attachment was performed by Buttress and Associates Laboratory of Los Angeles, California. All implant frameworks were cast by using Vitallium (Austenal Dental, Inc., Chicago, Ill.) alloy. The MSID therapy was administered by dentists receiving instruction in the Advanced Prosthodontic Education Program and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at the University of Southern California. Recalls are performed at the sixth month after insertion of the MSID and annually thereafter for evaluation with treatment as needed for problems that are noted. As the study continues these problems deal with normal denture wear and various difficulties with the implant itself. This study evaluated the clinical manifestations of paresthesia, incision line separation, implant framework exposure, inflammation, and reaction to vertical force along the abutments. The responses were subjected to analysis by number of occurrences and frequency on an IBM 3081 computer system for each category, recall, and specific post.

Effects of sodium hypochlorite on denture base metals during immersion for short-term sterilization

The effects on Vitallium and Ticonium alloys immersed in different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite for various immersion times are described. The results of this investigation demonstrate that samples of these metals soaked in 2% sodium hypochlorite for at least 5 minutes or in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite for a minimum of 3 minutes were sterilized and not tarnished or corroded. Although Vitallium alloy was more resistant than Ticonium alloy to the deleterious effects of sodium hypochlorite, either metal can be safely immersed for sterilization purposes under the guidelines presented. Therefore, an effective and economical method for sterilizing removable partial denture frameworks made of chrome-cobalt or chrome-nickel alloys is attainable through the proper use of household bleach.

An Electrochemical Investigation of Fretting Corrosion of Surgical Implant Materials

Abstract The fretting corrosion resistances of two alloys that are currently used in surgical implants (Type 316L stainless steel and cast Vitallium alloy) have been compared with the resistances of two high strength, highly ductile, metastable austenitic stainless steels (TRIP steels). The fretting corrosion apparatus used allowed control of the environmental composition, the vibrational amplitude, the vibrational frequency, and the stress between the two metal surfaces in fretting contact. The rate of corrosion of the contacting surfaces during fretting was significantly higher than the rate before or after the fretting period, and the corrosion rate during fretting generally increased with time. Corrosion rate data taken after 30 minutes of fretting indicated a linear dependence on amplitude, frequency, and contact stress. Cast Vitallium alloy appeared to have a somewhat higher resistance to fretting corrosion than the other three alloys. The available data suggests that fretting increases the corrosion rate because the passive surface film is repeatedly disrupted and repaired. However, the rate of corrosion appears to be controlled by the rate of oxygen transport from the bulk solution to the cathodic sites on the metal surface.

Surgical Treatment of Seventh Nerve Paralysis

Summary Surgical treatment of facial palsy depends upon the ˦tiology. With recent cases, end-to-end anastomosis, nerve grafting, facial nerve anastomosis with contiguous motor nerves or decompression of the nerve may be of value. With long-standing facial palsy a palliative operation is best with use of muscle, or fascial sling or combination of both. The author's method is to use a portion of the palmaris longus tendon with its paratenon and a flap of the temporalis muscle detached from the coronoid process. Through a tunnel in the cheek the tendon of the palmaris longus is then inserted and sutured on the orbicularis oris muscle and to the detached part of the temporalis muscle. This method has the advantage that the tendon moves freely because it does not attach itself to the surrounding tissue, and the angle of the mouth is drawn in the normal direction because the tendon is fastened to the temporalis muscle. The temporalis muscle, including the separated part, contracts. One gets a mobile and not a fixed smile. Two cases with long-standing facial palsy are described where this method was applied. The second patient had also lost a large part of the posterior part of the mandible, including the condyle. The defect was repaired with a vitallium alloy prosthesis and a bone graft.

Surgical treatment of seventh nerve paralysis

Summary Surgical treatment of facial palsy depends upon the ˦tiology. With recent cases, end-to-end anastomosis, nerve grafting, facial nerve anastomosis with contiguous motor nerves or decompression of the nerve may be of value. With long-standing facial palsy a palliative operation is best with use of muscle, or fascial sling or combination of both. The author's method is to use a portion of the palmaris longus tendon with its paratenon and a flap of the temporalis muscle detached from the coronoid process. Through a tunnel in the cheek the tendon of the palmaris longus is then inserted and sutured on the orbicularis oris muscle and to the detached part of the temporalis muscle. This method has the advantage that the tendon moves freely because it does not attach itself to the surrounding tissue, and the angle of the mouth is drawn in the normal direction because the tendon is fastened to the temporalis muscle. The temporalis muscle, including the separated part, contracts. One gets a mobile and not a fixed smile. Two cases with long-standing facial palsy are described where this method was applied. The second patient had also lost a large part of the posterior part of the mandible, including the condyle. The defect was repaired with a vitallium alloy prosthesis and a bone graft.