The aim of this study was to report a 3 year follow up of vitamin E add polyethylene in total knee arthroplasty. UHMWPE powder (GUR1050) was mixed with 0.3% of vitamin E before consolidation by direct compression molding. The vitamin E added UHMWPE was applied to the articular surface and patella in 65 patients (mean age, 69.6 years). Joint fluid concentrations of tocopherol and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were measured in vitamin E added UHMWPE cases one year after surgery, and were compared to those of conventional UHMWPE cases and osteoarthritis patients. Concentrations of α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol were measured by using HPLC with ultraviolet-visible wavelength detection. Concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase 9 were detected by using enzyme immunoassay. The Average Knee Society score were 91.7(clinical) and 76.7(functional). There were three failures (1 supracondylar fracture, and 2 skin necrosis). The average concentrations of α-tocopherol were 281.8μg/dL (10 cases) in the vitamin E group, 371.8μg/dL (15 cases) in the conventional group, and 317.8μg/dL (46 cases) in the osteoarthritis group. There were no significant differences among three groups. The average concentrations of γ-tocopherol were 43.4μg/dL in the vitamin E group, 52.3μg/dL in the conventional group, and 49.8μg/dL in the osteoarthritis group. There were no significant differences among three groups. The average concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase 9 were 83.2 ng/mL in the vitamin E group, 78.4 ng/mL in the conventional group, and 17.4 ng/mL in the osteoarthritis group. There was no significant difference between the vitamin E group and the conventional group. However, The matrix metalloproteinase 9 concentrations of the osteoarthritis group were significantly lower than others. No cases exhibited measurable polyethylene wear or osteolysis and also no abnormal values relating to vitamin E on joint fluid examinations. At three year follow-up, vitamin E added polyethylene demonstrated the safe use for the human body.
We investigated the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on distraction osteogenesis in a rabbit model. Callotasis of the right tibia was performed in 70 male Japanese white rabbits using mini-external fixators. In the first part of the study in 64 animals using normal distraction (waiting period seven days; distraction rate 0.5 mm/12 hours; distraction period ten days), we evaluated the distraction site by radiography, measurement of the bone mineral density (BMD), mechanical testing, and histology. In the second part in six rabbits using fast distraction (waiting period 0 days; distraction rate 1.5 mm/12 hours; distraction period seven days) the site was evaluated radiologically. Half of the animals (35) had received ultrasound to their right leg (30mW/cm2) for 20 minutes daily after ceasing distraction (ultrasound group), while rigid fixation only was maintained in the other half (control group). With normal distraction, the hard callus area, as shown by radiography, the BMD, and the findings on mechanical testing, were significantly greater in those receiving ultrasound than in the control group. Histological analysis showed no tissue damage attributable to exposure to ultrasound. With fast distraction, immature bone regeneration was observed radiologically in the control group, while bone maturation was achieved in the ultrasound group. We conclude that ultrasound can accelerate bone maturation in distraction osteogenesis in rabbits, even in states of poor callotasis.
