Knowledge of the premorbid glenoid shape and the morphological changes the bone undergoes in patients with glenohumeral arthritis can improve surgical outcomes in total and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Several studies have previously used scapular statistical shape models (SSMs) to predict premorbid glenoid shape and evaluate glenoid erosion properties. However, current literature suggests no studies have used scapular SSMs to examine the changes in glenoid surface area in patients with glenohumeral arthritis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the glenoid articular surface area between pathologic glenoid cavities from patients with glenohumeral arthritis and their predicted premorbid shape using a scapular SSM. Furthermore, this study compared pathologic glenoid surface area with that from virtually eroded glenoid models created without influence from internal bone remodelling activity and osteophyte formation. It was hypothesized that the pathologic glenoid cavities would exhibit the greatest glenoid surface area despite the eroded nature of the glenoid and the medialization, which in a vault shape, should logically result in less surface area.

Computer tomography (CT) scans from 20 patients exhibiting type A2 glenoid erosion according to the Walch classification [Walch et al., 1999] were obtained. A scapular SSM was used to predict the premorbid glenoid shape for each scapula. The scapula and humerus from each patient were automatically segmented and exported as 3D object files along with the scapular SSM from a pre-operative planning software. Each scapula and a copy of its corresponding SSM were aligned using the coracoid, lateral edge of the acromion, inferior glenoid tubercule, scapular notch, and the trigonum spinae. Points were then digitized on both the pathologic humeral and glenoid surfaces and were used in an iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm in MATLAB (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA) to align the humerus with the glenoid surface. A Boolean subtraction was then performed between the scapular SSM and the humerus to create a virtual erosion in the scapular SSM that matched the erosion orientation of the pathologic glenoid. This led to the development of three distinct glenoid models for each patient: premorbid, pathologic, and virtually eroded (Fig. 1). The glenoid surface area from each model was then determined using 3-Matic (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium).

Figure 1. (A) Premorbid glenoid model, (B) pathologic glenoid model, and (C) virtually eroded glenoid model.

The average glenoid surface area for the pathologic scapular models was 70% greater compared to the premorbid glenoid models (P < 0 .001). Furthermore, the surface area of the virtual glenoid erosions was 6.4% lower on average compared to the premorbid glenoid surface area (P=0.361).

The larger surface area values observed in the pathologic glenoid cavities suggests that sufficient bone remodelling exists at the periphery of the glenoid bone in patients exhibiting A2 type glenohumeral arthritis. This is further supported by the large difference in glenoid surface area between the pathologic and virtually eroded glenoid cavities as the virtually eroded models only considered humeral anatomy when creating the erosion.

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Surgical failure, mainly caused by loosening implants, causes great mental and physical trauma to patients. Improving the physicochemical properties of implants to achieve favourable osseointegration will continue to be the focus of future research. Strontium (Sr), a trace element, is often incorporated into hydroxyapatite (HA) to improve its osteogenic activity. Our previous studies have shown that miR-21 can promote the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by the PI3K/β-catenin pathway. The aim of this study is to fabricate a SrHA and miR-21 composite coating and it is expected to have a favorable bone healing capability.

Ti discs (20 mm diameter and one mm thickness for the in vitro section) and rods (four mm diameter and seven mm length for the in vivo section) were prepared by machining pure Ti. The Ti cylinders were placed in a Teflon-lined stainless-steel autoclave for treating at 150°C for 24 h to form SrHA layer. The miR-21 was encapsulated in nanocapsules. The miR-21 nanocapsules were mixed with CMCS powder to form a gel-like sample and uniformly coated on the SrHA modifed Ti. Osteoblast-like MG63 cells were cultured on SrHA and miR-21 modified Ti, Cell proliferation activity and osteogenesis-related gene expression were evaluated. A bone defect model was established with mature New Zealand to evaluate the osseointegration. Cylindrical holes (four mm in diameter) were created at the distal femur and tibial plateau. Each rabbit was implanted with four of the aforementioned rods (distal femur and tibial plateau of the hind legs). After implantation for one, two and three months, the rabbits were observed by X-ray and scanned using u-CT. Histological and Immunohistochemical analysis were performed to examine the osteogenic markers. A biomechanical push-in test was used to assess the bone-implant bonding strength.

Both SrHA nanoparticles with good superhydrophilicity and miR-21 nanocapsules with uniform sizes were distributed evenly on the surface of the Ti. In vitro experiments revealed that the composite coating was beneficial to osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and mineralization. In vivo evaluations demonstrated that this coating could not only promote the expression of angiogenic factor CD31 but also enhance the expression of osteoblastic genes to facilitate angio-osteogenesis. In addition, the composite coating also showed a decreased RANKL expression compared with the miR-21 coating. As a result, the SrHA/miR-21 composite coating promoted new bone formation and mineralization and thus enhanced osseointegration and bone-implant bonding strength.

A homogeneous SrHA and miR-21 composite coating was fabricated by generating pure Ti through a hydrothermal process, followed by adhering miR-21 nanocapsules. This coating combined the favorable physicochemical properties of SrHA and miR-21 that synergistically promoted angiogenesis, osteogenesis, osseointegration, bone mineralization and thus bone-implant bonding strength. This study provided a new strategy for surface modification of biomedical implants.

INTRODUCTION

Hip resurfacing offers a more bone conserving solution than total hip replacement (THR) but currently has limited clinical indications related to some poor design concepts and metal ion related issues. Other materials are currently being investigated based on their successful clinical history in THR such as Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA, Biolox Delta, CeramTec, Germany) which has shown low wear rates and good biocompatibility but has previously only been used as a bearing surface in THR. A newly developed direct cementless fixation all-ceramic (ZTA) resurfacing cup offers a new solution for resurfacing however ZTA has a Young's modulus approximately 1.6 times greater than CoCr - such may affect the acetabular bone remodelling. This modelling study investigates whether increased stress shielding may occur when compared to a CoCr resurfacing implant with successful known clinical survivorship.

Introduction

Direct skeletal attachment of prosthetic limbs, commonly known as osseointegration (“OI”), is being investigated by our team with the goal of safely introducing this technology into the United States for human use. OI technology allows for anchorage of prosthetic devices directly to bone using an intramedullary stem. For OI to be effective and secure, bone ingrowth and remodeling around the implant must be achieved. Physicians need an effective way to measure bone remodeling in order to make informed decisions on prescribed loading. This work describes methodology that was developed that utilizes computed tomography (CT) imaging as a tool for analyzing bone remodeling around an osseointegrated implant.

Aim

This study describes the histologic changes seen with a gentamicin-eluting synthetic bone graft substitute (BGS)(1) in managing bone defects after resection of chronic osteomyelitis (cOM).

Objectives

There remains conflicting evidence regarding cortical bone strength following bisphosphonate therapy. As part of a study to assess the effects of bisphosphonate treatment on the healing of rat tibial fractures, the mechanical properties and radiological density of the uninjured contralateral tibia was assessed.

Purpose

The study aim was to assess how the periprosthetic bone density of the MiniHip™ changed in the course of the first year. Is there a correlation between the decrease in bone density with CCD angle or stem size? Are there other variables influencing the changes in bone density?

Despite the generally inferior clinical performance of acetabular prostheses as compared to the femoral implants, the causes of acetabular component loosening and the extent to which mechanical factors play a role in the failure mechanism are not clearly understood yet. The study was aimed at investigating the load transfer and bone remodelling around the uncemented acetabular prosthesis.

The 3-D FE model of a natural right hemi-pelvis was developed using CT-scan data. The same bone was implanted with two uncemented hemispherical acetabular components, one metallic (CoCrMo alloy) and the other ceramic (Biolox delta), with 54 mm outer diameter and 48 mm bearing diameter. The FE models of the implanted pelvis (containing ∼116000 quadratic tetrahedrals) were generated using a submodelling approach, which were based on an overall full model of implanted pelvis (containing ∼217600 quadratic tetrahedrals) acted upon by hip joint force and twenty one muscle forces. The apparent density (ρ in g cm⁻³) of each cancellous bone element was calculated using linear calibration of CT numbers of bone, from which the Young's modulus (E in MPa) was determined using the relationship, E = 2017.3 ρ^2.46 [1]. Implant-bone interface conditions, fully bonded and debonded with friction coefficient μ = 0.5, were simulated using contact elements. Applied loading conditions consist of two load cases during a gait cycle, corresponding to 13% and 52% of the walking cycle. Fixed constraints were prescribed at the pubis and at the sacroiliac joint. The bone remodelling algorithm was based on strain energy based site-specific formulation [2]. The FE analysis, in combination with the bone remodelling simulation, was performed using ANSYS FE software.

The predicted changes in peri-prosthetic bone density were similar for the metallic and the ceramic implant. For debonded implant-bone interface, stress shielding led to ∼20% reductions in bone density at supero-anterior, infero-anterior and posterior part of the acetabulum (Fig. 1). However, bone apposition was observed at the supero-posterior part of the acetabulum, where implantation led to ∼60% increase in bone density (Fig. 1). The effect of bone resorption was higher for the fully bonded implant-bone interface, wherein bone density reductions of 20–50% were observed in the cancellous bone underlying the implant (Fig. 1), which is indicative of implant loosening over time. However, implantation led to an increase in bone density around the acetabular rim for both the interface conditions (Fig. 1). These results are well corroborated by the earlier studies [3, 4]. Implantation with a ceramic component resulted in 2–7% increase in bone density at supero-posterior part of the acetabulum as compared to the metallic component, for the debonded interface condition. Considering better wear resistant properties and absence of metal ion release, results of this study suggest that the ceramic component might be a viable alternative to the metallic prosthesis.

Introduction

Fixation patterns of cementless stem were known as proximal or distal part. Distal fixation was seen in fully porous coated stem and stress shielding of the proximal femur was indicative. These phenomena did not lower the clinical results, but technical difficulties were more and more in revision surgery because of infection or dislocation. There was lot of reports that alendronate was effective for treatment of osteoporosis by induction of apoptosis in osteoclasts. We can expect alendronate to modify the bone quality around the stem after cementless THA.

Introduction

Periprosthetic bone remodelling after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) may be attributed to local changes in the mechanical strain field of the bone as a result of the stiffness mismatch between high modulus metallic implant materials and the supporting bone. This can lead to significant loss of periprosthetic bone density, which may promote implant loosening, and complicate revision surgery. A novel polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implant with a modulus similar to bone has the potential to reduce stress shielding whilst eliminating metal ion release. Numerical modelling can estimate the remodelling stimulus but rigorous validation is required for use as a predictive tool. In this study, a finite element (FE) model investigating the local biomechanical changes with different TKA materials was verified experimentally using Digital Image Correlation (DIC). DIC is increasingly used in biomechanics for strain measurement on complex, heterogeneous anisotropic material structures.

INTRODUCTION

Implantation of total hip arthroplasty (THA) components caused a significant alteration in stress environment. Several studies have reported that bone mineral density (BMD) decreases after THA, especially in the proximal femur. This phenomenon is explained as an adaptive remodeling response of bone tissue to a significant alteration in its stress environment.

SL-PLUS MIA stem (Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG) is a modified implant of Zweymuller type SL-PLUS standard stem (Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG). The major change is an omission of the trochanteric wing, which enables a bone-sparing and may lead to changes of femoral stress distribution and rotational stability. The change of stress distribution in the femur could affect BMD after THA.

In the present study, we constructed finite element (FE) models of femurs and stems before and at 1week after THA and analyzed equivalent stresses in the femur. In addition, we measured BMD in the femur by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) after THA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the equivalent stress in the femur and to compare the results of the FE analyses with changes in BMD after THA.

The triple taper polished cemented stem (C-stem, DePuy) was developed to promote calcar loading, and reduce proximal femoral bone resorption and aseptic loosening. We aimed to evaluate the changes in peri-prosthetic bone mineral density using Dual Energy X-ray Absorbtiometry (DEXA) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the C-stem prosthesis.

One hundred and three patients were recruited voluntarily through and single institution for THA. The prosthesis used was the triple-taper polished cemented C-Stem (De Puy, Warsaw, Indiana, USA). DEXA scans were performed pre- operatively, then at day for, three months, nine months, 18 months and 24 months post-operativley. Scans were analysed with specialised software (Lunar DPX) to measure bone mineral density (BMD) in all seven Gruen zones at each time interval. Changes in calcar BMD were also correlated with patient age, sex, surgical approach, pre-operative BMD and post-operative mobility to identify risk factors for periprosthetic bone resorption.

One hundred and three patients underwent 103 primary THA over a five-year period (98 osteoarthritis; 5 AVN). No femoral components were loose at the two year review and none were revised. The most marked bone resorption occured in Gruen zones 1 and 7, and was best preserved in zone 5. BMD decreased rapidly in all zones in the first three months post-operatively, after which the rate of decline slowed substantially. BMD was better preserved medially (zones 6 and 5) than laterally (zones 2 and 3) at 24 months. There was delayed recovery of BMD in all zones except zones 4 and 5.

High pre-operative T-scores (>2.0) in the spine, ipsilateral and contralateral femoral neck were associated with the higher post-operative BMD and less bone resorption at all time intervals in Gruen zone 7. Pre-operative osteopenia and osteoporosis were associated with low BMD and accelerated post-operative bone resorption in zone 7.

Patients whose mobility rendered them housebound had lower post-operative BMD, and accelerated post-operative BMD loss in zone 7 when compared to non-housebound patients. Females had a lower post-operative BMD and greater loss of BMD in zone 7. Patient age and surgical approach did not effect post-operative BMD or rate of bone resorption in zone 7.

The triple-taper femoral stem design did not show an increase in periprosthetic bone density at the proximal femur at two years post-operative. Calcar bone resorption is accelerated by low pre-operative BMD, poor post-operative mobility, and in females. Age and surgical approach do not have significant effects on calcar bone remodelling.

INTRODUCTION

Bone resorption around hip stems, in particular periprosthetic bone loss, is a common observation post-operatively. A number of factors influence the amount of bone loss over time and the mechanical environment following total hip replacement (THR) is important; conventional long stem prostheses have been shown to transfer loads distally, resulting in bone loss of the proximal femur. More conservative, short stems have been recently introduced to attempt to better replicate the physiological load distribution in the femur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) change over time, in a femur implanted with either a short or a long stem.

Negative remodelling of the femoral cortex in the form of calcar resorption due to stress-shielding, and femoral cortical hypertrophy at the level of the tip of the implant due to distal load transfer, is frequenly noted following cemented total hip replacement, most commonly with composite beam implants, but also with polished double tapered components.

The C-stem polished femoral component was designed with a third taper running from lateral to medial across and along the entire length of the implant, with the aim of achieving more proximal and therefore more natural loading of the femur. The implant is designed to subside within the femoral cement mantle utilising the cement property of creep, generating hoop stresses, which are transferred more proximally to the femoral bone, starting at the level of the medial calcar. The intention is to load the proximal femur minimising stress-shielding and calcar resorption, as well as reducing distal load transfer as signified by the lack of distal femoral cortical hypertrophy.

We present the results of a consecutive series of 500 total hip replacements using C-stem femoral components, performed between March 2000 and December 2005 at a single institution. Data was collected prospectively and all patients remain under annual follow-up by a Specialist Arthroplasty Practitioner. The operations were performed using a standard surgical technique with third generation cementing using Palacos-R antibiotic loaded cement.

500 arthroplasties were performed on 455 patients with an average age at the time of surgery of 68.3 years (23-92). There were 282 (62%) female and 173 (38%) male patients with osteoarthritis being the predominant diagnosis. 77 patients have died (73 hips) and the average duration of follow-up for the entire series is 81 months (52-124).

Only 2 femoral implants have been revised - one for deep sepsis and the other as part of a revision procedure for a loose acetabulum, although the femoral component itself was not loose. One implant is currently loose following a periprosthetic fracture treated by internal fixation, but none of the remaining implants demonstrates any progressive radiolucencies in any Gruen zones or any features suggestive of current or future loosening. Calcar rounding has been observed, but there have been no cases with obvious loss of calcar height and no cases of distal femoral cortical hypertrophy.

The C-stem femoral component has therefore performed well in clinical practice and the objective of eradicating negative bone remodelling has been achieved. The study is ongoing.

INTRODUCTION

Trabecular Titanium™ is an innovative material characterised by an high open porosity and composed by multi-planar regular hexagonal cells. It is not a traditional coating and its tri-dimensional structure has been studied to optimise osteointegration. Furthermore, it has excellent mechanical properties, as a very high tensile and fatigue resistance and an elastic module very similar to the that of the trabecular bone. The aim of this study is to evaluate the osteointegration and bone remodelling measuring the longitudinal pattern of change in BMD around a cementless acetabular cup made from Trabecular Titanium™ (Delta TT cup, Lima Corporate, Italy) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Aim

A gentamicin-eluting biocomposite consisting of hydroxyapatite and calcium sulfate¹ can provide effective dead space management in chronic osteomyelitis. However, radiographic follow-up after implantation of this novel material has consistently shown evidence of several unique imaging features previously not described with other comparable bone graft substitutes. Conclusive interpretation of these newly described imaging features is difficult as long term follow-up and histological correlation is not yet available. The aim of this study was to establish a large animal model, closely simulating the clinical situation in order to permit further analysis of imaging features in correlation with histological progression of bone remodelling.

Aim

A gentamicin-eluting biocomposite consisting of hydroxyapatite (HA) and calcium sulphate (CaS)*1 can provide effective dead space management and bone formation in chronic osteomyelitis. However, radiographic follow-up after implantation of this biomaterial has shown imaging features previously not described with other comparable bone graft substitutes. Last year we presented preliminary results with a follow-up of 6 months. Now we present the radiographic, µCT and histological one-year follow-up of the critical-size bone defect model in sheep. The aim of this study was to simulate the clinical situation in a large animal model to correlate different imaging techniques used in the clinic (Radiography, CT and MRI scans) with histological finding.

Introduction

Negative remodelling of the femoral cortex in the form of calcar resorption due to stress shielding and cortical hypertrophy at the level of the tip of the implant, due to distal load transfer, is frequently noted following cemented total hip replacement, most commonly with composite beam implants, but also with polished double tapers. The C-stem polished femoral component was designed with a third taper running from lateral to medial across and along the entire length of the implant, with the aim of achieving more proximal and therefore more natural loading of the femur. The hoop stresses generated in the cement mantle are transferred to the proximal bone starting at the calcar, which should theoretically minimise stress-shielding and calcar resorption, as well as reducing distal load transfer, as signified by the development of distal femoral cortical hypertrophy.

Trabecular TitaniumTM is a tri-dimensional material composed by multi-planar regular hexagonal cells and characterised by a highly open porosity that has been studied to optimise bone osteointegration. The aim of this study is to evaluate bone remodelling measuring BMD changes around an acetabular cup made from Trabecular TitaniumTM in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Between February 2009 and December 2010, 89 patients (91 hip) underwent primary THA with a modular acetabular cup in Trabecular TitaniumTM (DELTA-TT cup, Limacorporate, Villanova di San Daniele, Italy). The average age was 63.5± 9.4 years, the average height and weight were 75.9± 12.9 kg and 168.8± 8.9 cm, respectively (av. BMI 26.8± 4.2). There were 46 (51.7%) males and 43 (48.3%) females affected by primary coxarthrosis in 80 (87.9%) cases, avascular necrosis in 5 (5.5%), posttraumatic coxarthrosis in 3 (3.3%), dysplasia in 2 (2.2) and oligoarthritis in 1 (1.1%) case. The study includes the clinical evaluation with Harris Hip Score (HHS) and SF-36, radiographic evaluation and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) analysis preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months.

Preliminary results are currently available for 47 patients at 12 months, 68 at 6 months and 80 at 3 months. The average HHS significantly improved from 48.7± 14.99 preoperatively to 93.8± 5.91 at 12 months, with a constant progression in the intermediate follow-ups. All patients showed a significant ROM increase, with an average flexion from 86.6°± 15.9° preoperatively to 105°±13.14 at 12 months. Sf-36 highlighted a satisfactory improvement of general health status from an average preoperative value of 50.8± 18.7 to 80.7± 12.9 at 12 months (from 42.9 to 80.1 for physical health; from 58.4 to 81.3 for mental one). All cups were stable at 12 months with no radiolucent lines. Preliminary DXA analysis reported an initial bone mineral density decrease from 1 week baseline values (BMD R1: 1.40± 0.37; R2: 1.20± 0.45; R3:1.16± 0.31) to 3 months (BMD R1: 1.31± 0.41; R2: 1.17± 0.3; R3: 1.06± 0.37) followed by BMD recovery up to initial values (BMD R1: 1.37± 0.3; R2:1.18± 0.34; R3: 1.12± 0.36) at 12 months.

Trabecular TitaniumTM demonstrates a good primary and secondary stability. Preliminary densitometric outcome confirms an optimal osseointegration of the DELTA-TT cup and early clinical and patient subjective results are very promising at a short term follow-up. However, the completions of follow-up evaluation are necessary to draw a conclusive analysis.

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty is emerging as an increasingly popular, conservative option for the treatment of end-stage osteoarthritis in the young and active patient. Despite the encouraging clinical results of hip resurfacing, aseptic loosening and femoral neck fracture remains concerns for the success of this procedure.

This study used finite element analysis (FEA) to analyse the stresses within proximal femoral bone resulting from implantation with a conservative hip prosthesis. FEA is a computational method used to analyse the performance of real-world structures through the development of simplified computational models using essential features.

The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between the orientation of the femoral component of a hip resurfacing prosthesis (using the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing as a model) and outcomes during both walking and stair climbing. The outcomes of interest were stresses in the femoral neck predisposing to fracture, and bone remodelling within the proximal femur.

Multiple three-dimensional finite element models of a resurfaced femur were generated, with stem-shaft angles representing anatomic (135°), valgus (145°), and varus (125°) angulations. Applied loading conditions included normal walking and stair climbing. Bone remodelling was assessed in both the medial and lateral cortices.

Analyses revealed that amongst all orientations, valgus positioning produced the most physiological stress patterns within these regions, thereby encouraging bone growth. Stress concentration was observed in cortical and cancellous bone regions adjacent to the rim of the prosthesis. As one would expect, stair climbing produced consistently higher stress than walking. The highest stress values occurred in the varus-orientated femur during both walking and stair climbing, whilst anatomic angulation resulted in the lowest stress values of all implanted femurs in comparison to the intact femur.

This study has shown through the use of FEA that optimising the stem-shaft angle towards a valgus orientation is recommended when implanting a hip resurfacing arthroplasty. This positioning produces physiological stress patterns within the proximal femur that are conducive to bone growth, thus reducing the risk of femoral neck fracture associated with conservative hip arthroplasty.