The development and pre-clinical evaluation of nano-texturised, biomimetic, surfaces of titanium (Ti) implants treated with titanium dioxide (TiO. 2. ) nanotube arrays is reviewed. In vitro and in vivo evaluations show that TiO. 2. nanotubes on Ti surfaces positively affect the osseointegration, cell differentiation, mineralisation, and anti-microbial properties. This surface treatment can be superimposed onto existing macro and micro porous Ti implants creating a surface texture that also interacts with cells at the nano level. Histology and mechanical pull-out testing of specimens in rabbits indicate that TiO. 2. nanotubes improves bone bonding nine-fold (p = 0.008). The rate of mineralisation associated with TiO. 2. nanotube surfaces is about three times that of non-treated Ti surfaces. In addition to improved osseointegration properties, TiO. 2. nanotubes reduce the initial adhesion and colonisation of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Collectively, the properties of Ti implant surfaces enhanced with TiO. 2. nanotubes show great promise. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B(1 Supple A):9–16

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether coating titanium discs with selenium in the form of sodium selenite decreased bacterial adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Staph. epidermidis and impeded osteoblastic cell growth.

In order to evaluate bacterial adhesion, sterile titanium discs were coated with increasing concentrations of selenium and incubated with bacterial solutions of Staph. aureus (ATCC 29213) and Staph. epidermidis (DSM 3269) and stained with Safranin-O. The effect of selenium on osteoblastic cell growth was also observed. The adherence of MG-63 cells on the coated discs was detected by staining with Safranin-O. The proportion of covered area was calculated with imaging software.

The tested Staph. aureus strain showed a significantly reduced attachment on titanium discs with 0.5% (p = 0.011) and 0.2% (p = 0.02) selenium coating. Our test strain from Staph. epidermidis showed a highly significant reduction in bacterial adherence on discs coated with 0.5% (p = 0.0099) and 0.2% (p = 0.002) selenium solution. There was no inhibitory effect of the selenium coating on the osteoblastic cell growth.

Selenium coating is a promising method to reduce bacterial attachment on prosthetic material.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:678–82.

Aims. It is increasingly appreciated that coordinated regulation of angiogenesis and osteogenesis is needed for bone formation. How this regulation is achieved during peri-implant bone healing, such as osseointegration, is largely unclear. This study examined the relationship between angiogenesis and osteogenesis in a unique model of osseointegration of a mouse tibial implant by pharmacologically blocking the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. Materials and Methods. An implant was inserted into the right tibia of 16-week-old female C57BL/6 mice (n = 38). Mice received anti-VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) antibody (25 mg/kg) and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) antibody (25 mg/kg; n = 19) or an isotype control antibody (n = 19). Flow cytometric (n = 4/group) and immunofluorescent (n = 3/group) analyses were performed at two weeks post-implantation to detect the distribution and density of CD31. hi. EMCN. hi. endothelium. RNA sequencing analysis was performed using sorted CD31. hi. EMCN. hi. endothelial cells (n = 2/group). Osteoblast lineage cells expressing osterix (OSX) and osteopontin (OPN) were also detected with immunofluorescence. Mechanical pull-out testing (n = 12/group) was used at four weeks post-implantation to determine the strength of the bone-implant interface. After pull-out testing, the tissue attached to the implant surface was harvested. Whole mount immunofluorescent staining of OSX and OPN was performed to determine the amount of osteoblast lineage cells. Results. Flow cytometry revealed that anti-VEGFR treatment decreased CD31. hi. EMCN. hi. vascular endothelium in the peri-implant bone versus controls at two weeks post-implantation. This was confirmed by the decrease of CD31 and endomucin (EMCN) double-positive cells detected with immunofluorescence. In addition, treated mice had more OPN-positive cells in both peri-implant bone and tissue on the implant surface at two weeks and four weeks, respectively. More OSX-positive cells were present in peri-implant bone at two weeks. More importantly, anti-VEGFR treatment decreased the maximum load of pull-out testing compared with the control. Conclusion. VEGF pathway controls the coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis in orthopaedic implant osseointegration by affecting the formation of CD31. hi. EMCN. hi. endothelium. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(7 Supple C):108–114

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most dreaded complications after arthroplasty surgery; thus numerous approaches have been undertaken to equip metal surfaces with antibacterial properties. Due to its antimicrobial effects, silver is a promising coating for metallic surfaces, and several types of silver-coated arthroplasty implants are in clinical use today. However, silver can also exert toxic effects on eukaryotic cells both in the immediate vicinity of the coated implants and systemically. In most clinically-used implants, silver coatings are applied on bulk components that are not in direct contact with bone, such as in partial or total long bone arthroplasties used in tumour or complex revision surgery. These implants differ considerably in the coating method, total silver content, and silver release rates. Safety issues, such as the occurrence of argyria, have been a cause for concern, and the efficacy of silver coatings in terms of preventing PJI is also controversial. The application of silver coatings is uncommon on parts of implants intended for cementless fixation in host bone, but this option might be highly desirable since the modification of implant surfaces in order to improve osteoconductivity can also increase bacterial adhesion. Therefore, an optimal silver content that inhibits bacterial colonization while maintaining osteoconductivity is crucial if silver were to be applied as a coating on parts intended for bone contact. This review summarizes the different methods used to apply silver coatings to arthroplasty components, with a focus on the amount and duration of silver release from the different coatings; the available experience with silver-coated implants that are in clinical use today; and future strategies to balance the effects of silver on bacteria and eukaryotic cells, and to develop silver-coated titanium components suitable for bone ingrowth. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):423–429

Aims. Dual mobility implants in total hip arthroplasty are designed to increase the functional head size, thus decreasing the potential for dislocation. Modular dual mobility (MDM) implants incorporate a metal liner (e.g. cobalt-chromium alloy) in a metal shell (e.g. titanium alloy), raising concern for mechanically assisted crevice corrosion at the modular liner-shell connection. We sought to examine fretting and corrosion on MDM liners, to analyze the corrosion products, and to examine histologically the periprosthetic tissues. Methods. A total of 60 retrieved liners were subjectively scored for fretting and corrosion. The corrosion products from the three most severely corroded implants were removed from the implant surface, imaged using scanning electron microscopy, and analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Results. Fretting was present on 88% (53/60) of the retrieved liners, and corrosion was present on 97% (58/60). Fretting was most often found on the lip of the taper at the transition between the lip and the dome regions. Macrophages and particles reflecting an innate inflammatory reaction to corrosion debris were noted in six of the 48 cases for which periprosthetic tissues were examined, and all were associated with retrieved components that had high corrosion scores. Conclusion. Our results show that corrosion occurs at the interface between MDM liners and shells and that it can be associated with reactions in the local tissues, suggesting continued concern that this problem may become clinically important with longer-term use of these implants. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1238–1246

Aims

The objective of this study was to compare the two-year migration and clinical outcomes of a new cementless hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium acetabular shell with its previous version, which shared the same geometrical design but a different manufacturing process for applying the titanium surface.

Aims. Our intention was to investigate if the highly porous biological fixation surfaces of a new 3D-printed total knee arthroplasty (TKA) achieved adequate fixation of the tibial and patellar components to the underlying bone. Patients and Methods. A total of 29 patients undergoing primary TKA consented to participate in this prospective cohort study. All patients received a highly porous tibial baseplate and metal-backed patella. Patient-reported outcomes measures were recorded and implant migration was assessed using radiostereometric analysis. Results. Patient function significantly improved by three months postoperatively (p < 0.001). Mean difference in maximum total point motion between 12 and 24 months was 0.021 mm (-0.265 to 0.572) for the tibial implant and 0.089 mm (-0.337 to 0.758) for the patellar implant. The rate of tibial and patellar migration was largest over the first six postoperative weeks, with no changes in mean tibia migration occurring after six months, and no changes in mean patellar migration occurring after six weeks. One patellar component showed a rapid rate of migration between 12 and 24 months. Conclusion. Biological fixation appears to occur reliably on the highly porous implant surface of the tibial baseplate and metal-backed patellar component. Rapid migration after 12 months was measured for one patellar component. Further investigation is required to assess the long-term stability of the 3D-printed components and to determine if the high-migrating components achieve fixation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(7 Supple C):40–47

Aims

Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis (HED) is applied to children and adolescents to correct angular deformities (ADs) in long bones through guided growth. Traditional Blount staples or two-hole plates are mainly used for this indication. Despite precise surgical techniques and attentive postoperative follow-up, implant-associated complications are frequently described. To address these pitfalls, a flexible staple was developed to combine the advantages of the established implants. This study provides the first results of guided growth using the new implant and compares these with the established two-hole plates and Blount staples.

Aims

Endoprosthetic reconstruction following distal femur tumour resection has been widely advocated. In this paper, we present the design of an uncemented endoprosthesis system featuring a short, curved stem, with the goal of enhancing long-term survivorship and functional outcomes.

Aims

The aims of this study were to develop an in vivo model of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in cemented hip hemiarthroplasty, and to monitor infection and biofilm formation in real-time.

Four uncemented Symax hip stems were extracted at three weeks and nine, 13 and 32 months, respectively, for reasons other than loosening. The reasons for implant removal were infection in two cases, recurrent dislocation in one and acetabular fracture in one. They were analysed to assess the effect and behaviour of an electrochemically deposited, completely resorbable biomimetic BONIT-hydroxyapatite (HA) coating (proximal part) and a DOTIZE surface treatment (distal part) using qualitative histology, quantitative histomorphometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Early and direct bone-implant bonding with signs of active remodelling of bone and the HA coating were demonstrated by histology and SEM. No loose BONIT-HA particles or delamination of the coating were observed, and there was no inflammation or fibrous interposition at the interface. Histomorphometry showed bone-implant contact varying between 26.5% at three weeks and 83.5% at 13 months at the HA-coated implant surface. The bone density in the area of investigation was between 24.6% at three weeks and 41.1% at 32 months. The DOTIZE surface treatment of the distal part of the stem completely prevented tissue and bone apposition in all cases, thereby optimising proximal stress transfer. The overall features of this implant, in terms of geometry and surface texture, suggest a mechanically stable design with a highly active biomimetic coating, resulting in rapid and extensive osseo-integration, exclusively in the metaphyseal part of the stem. Early remodelling of the HA coating does not seem to have a detrimental effect on short-term bone-implant coupling. There were no adverse effects identified from either the BONIT-HA coating or the DOTIZE surface treatment

Aims

Temporary epiphysiodesis (ED) is commonly applied in children and adolescents to treat leg length discrepancies (LLDs) and tall stature. Traditional Blount staples or modern two-hole plates are used in clinical practice. However, they require accurate planning, precise surgical techniques, and attentive follow-up to achieve the desired outcome without complications. This study reports the results of ED using a novel rigid staple (RigidTack) incorporating safety, as well as technical and procedural success according to the idea, development, evaluation, assessment, long-term (IDEAL) study framework.

Aims

Aseptic loosening is a leading cause of uncemented arthroplasty failure, often accompanied by fibrotic tissue at the bone-implant interface. A biological target, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), was investigated as a crucial connection between the innate immune system’s response to injury, fibrotic tissue development, and proper bone healing. Prevalence of NETs in peri-implant fibrotic tissue from aseptic loosening patients was assessed. A murine model of osseointegration failure was used to test the hypothesis that inhibition (through Pad4^-/- mice that display defects in peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), an essential protein required for NETs) or resolution (via DNase 1 treatment, an enzyme that degrades the cytotoxic DNA matrix) of NETs can prevent osseointegration failure and formation of peri-implant fibrotic tissue.

We used an in vivo model to assess the use of an autogenous cancellous bone block and marrow graft for augmenting tendon reattachment to metallic implants. We hypothesised that augmentation of the tendon-implant interface with a bone block would enable retention of the graft on the implant surface, enhance biological integration, and result in more consistent functional outcomes compared with previously reported morcellised graft augmentation techniques. A significant improvement in functional weight-bearing was observed between six and 12 weeks. The significant increase in ground reaction force through the operated limb between six and 12 weeks was greater than that reported previously with morcellised graft augmented reconstructions. Histological appearance and collagen fibre orientation with bone block augmentation more closely resembled that of an intact enthesis compared with the morcellised grafting technique. Bone block augmentation of tendon-implant interfaces results in more reliable functional and histological outcomes, with a return to pre-operative levels of weight-bearing by 24 weeks

Aims. Current treatments of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) are minimally effective against Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. A murine PJI model of debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) was used to test the hypothesis that PlySs2, a bacteriophage-derived lysin, can target S. aureus biofilm and address the unique challenges presented in this periprosthetic environment. Methods. The ability of PlySs2 and vancomycin to kill biofilm and colony-forming units (CFUs) on orthopaedic implants were compared using in vitro models. An in vivo murine PJI model of DAIR was used to assess the efficacy of a combination of PlySs2 and vancomycin on periprosthetic bacterial load. Results. PlySs2 treatment reduced 99% more CFUs and 75% more biofilm compared with vancomycin in vitro. A combination of PlySs2 and vancomycin in vivo reduced the number of CFUs on the surface of implants by 92% and in the periprosthetic tissue by 88%. Conclusion. PlySs2 lysin was able to reduce biofilm, target planktonic bacteria, and work synergistically with vancomycin in our in vitro models. A combination of PlySs2 and vancomycin also reduced bacterial load in periprosthetic tissue and on the surface of implants in a murine model of DAIR treatment for established PJI. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7 Supple B):3–10

Aims

This study aimed to determine if macrophages can attach and directly affect the oxide layers of 316L stainless steel, titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V), and cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy (CoCrMo) by releasing components of these alloys.

Wear particles commonly used for experiments may carry adherent endotoxin on their surfaces, which may be responsible for the observed effects. In this study, we attached titanium plates to the tibiae of 20 rats. After osseointegration, endotoxin-contaminated or uncontaminated high-density-polyethylene (HDPE) particles were applied. Contaminated specimens showed a dramatic resorption of bone after seven days but new bone filled the site again at 21 days. Uncontaminated specimens showed no resorption. In 18 rats we implanted intramuscularly discs of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with baseline or excess contamination of endotoxin. Excess endotoxin disappeared within 24 hours and the amount of endotoxin remained at baseline level (contamination from production). Uncontaminated titanium discs did not adsorb endotoxin in vivo. The endotoxin was measured by analytical chemistry. Locally-applied endotoxin stimulated bone resorption similarly to that in experiments with wear particles. Endotoxin on the surface of implants and particles appeared to be inactivated in situ. A clean implant surface did not adsorb endotoxin. Our results suggest that endotoxin adhering to orthopaedic implants is not a major cause for concern

We designed an in vivo study to determine if the superimposition of a microtexture on the surface of sintered titanium beads affected the extent of bone ingrowth. Cylindrical titanium intramedullary implants were coated with titanium beads to form a porous finish using commercial sintering techniques. A control group of implants was left in the as-sintered condition. The test group was etched in a boiling acidic solution to create an irregular surface over the entire porous coating. Six experimental dogs underwent simultaneous bilateral femoral intramedullary implantation of a control implant and an acid etched implant. At 12 weeks, the implants were harvested in situ and the femora processed for undecalcified, histological examination. Eight transverse serial sections for each implant were analysed by backscattered electron microscopy and the extent of bone ingrowth was quantified by computer-aided image analysis. The extent of bone ingrowth into the control implants was 15.8% while the extent of bone ingrowth into the etched implants was 25.3%, a difference of 60% that was statistically significant. These results are consistent with other research that documents the positive effect of microtextured surfaces on bone formation at an implant surface. The acid etching process developed for this study represents a simple method for enhancing the potential of commonly available porous coatings for biological fixation

Aims

Femoral revision component subsidence has been identified as predicting early failure in revision hip surgery. This comparative cohort study assessed the potential risk factors of subsidence in two commonly used femoral implant designs.