The utilization of silver as an anti-infective agent is a subject of debate within the scientific community, with recurring discussions surrounding its biocompatibility. Presently, galvanic silver coating finds widespread clinical application in mitigating infection risks associated with large joint arthroplasties. While some instances have linked this coating to sporadic cases of localized argyria, these occurrences have not exhibited systematic or functional limitations. To address concerns regarding biocompatibility, a novel approach has been devised for anti-infective implant coatings: encapsulating silver nitrate within a biopolymer reservoir for non-articulating surfaces. This poly-L-lactic acid layer releases silver ions gradually, thereby circumventing biocompatibility concerns. Female C57BL/6 mice were utilized as an experimental model, with 6x2 mm Ti6Al4V discs, coated with or without the biopolymer-protected silver coating, implanted subcutaneously on both sides of the vertebrae. Daily blood samples were collected, and serum was analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP) and silver concentration. After three days, histopathological analyses were conducted on the surrounding soft tissue pouch.Aim
Method
The time to onset of symptoms after fracture fixation is still commonly used to classify fracture-related infections (FRI). Early infections (<2 weeks) can often be treated with debridement, systemic antibiotics, irrigation, and implant preservation (DAIR). Late infections (>10 weeks) typically require implant removal as mature, antibiotic-tolerant biofilms have formed. However, the recommendations for delayed infections (2–10 weeks) are not clearly defined. Here, infection healing and bone healing in early and delayed FRI is investigated in a rabbit model with a standardized DAIR procedure.
Aim
Method
A novel anti-infective biopolymer implant coating was developed to prevent bacterial biofilm formation and allow on-demand burst release of anti-infective silver (Ag) into the surrounding of the implant at any time after surgery via focused high-energy extracorporeal shock waves (fhESW). A semi-crystalline Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was loaded with homogeneously dissolved silver (Ag) applied onto Ti6Al4V discs. A fibroblast WST-1 assay was performed to ensure adequate biocompatibility of the Ag concentration at 6%. The prevention of early biofilm formation was investigated in a biofilm model with In addition, the effect of released Ag after fhESW (Storz DUOLITH SD1: 4000 impulses, 1,24 mJ/mm2, 3Hz, 162J) was assessed via optical density of bacterial cultures (Aim
Method
This study aims to enhance understanding of clinical and radiological consequences and involved mechanisms that led to corrosion of the Precice Stryde (Stryde) intramedullary lengthening nail in the post market surveillance era of the device. Between 2018 and 2021 more than 2,000 Stryde nails have been implanted worldwide. However, the outcome of treatment with the Stryde system is insufficiently reported. This is a retrospective single-centre study analyzing outcome of 57 consecutive lengthening procedures performed with the Stryde nail at the authors’ institution from February 2019 until November 2020. Macro- and microscopic metallographic analysis of four retrieved nails was conducted. To investigate observed corrosion at telescoping junction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were performed.Aims
Methods
The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) has been recognised as the most important medial structure preventing lateral dislocation or subluxation of the patella (LeGrand 2007). After MPFL rupture the patella deviates from the optimal path resulting in an altered retropatellar pressure distribution. This may lead to an early degeneration with loss of function and need for endoprosthetic joint replacement. The goal of this study was to develop a dynamic knee-simulator to test the influence of ligament instabilities to patella-tracking under simulation of physiological quadriceps muscle loading. On 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees the quadriceps muscle was divided into five parts along their anatomic fibre orientation analogous to Farahmand 1998. The muscular loading was achieved by applying weights to each of the fife components in proportion to the cross sectional muscle area. A total of 175 N was connected to the muscles using modified industrial cable connecting systems [Lancier Calbe, Drensteinfurt/Germany]. A novel light digital patellar reference base (DRB) was developed and attached to the patella with four bone screws. On addition a femoral and tibial digital reference base was constructed and secured to these two bones. Position data of the patella, the femur and tibia was tracked by a conventional tracking system [Optotrak, NDI Europe]. The relative movement between femur and tibia (“flexion path”) and patella and femur (“patella tracking”) was recorded. For retropatellar pressure measurement a custom made sensor was introduced between the patella and femur [Pliance, Novel/Germany]. The sensor consists of 85 single pressure measuring cells. The robot-control-unit is liked to a force-torque sensor (hybrid method). The force free knee-flexion-path from 0° to 90° was calculated during three “passive path” measurements using this hybrid robotic method. The actual measurements followed with identical parameters. The 3D-patella position was recorded (six degrees of freedom) along with the corresponding retropatellar pressure distribution according to knee-flexion and medial forces (intact vs. cut MPFL). Measurements were performed for the intact knee (“native”), with muscular quadriceps loading, after opening the joint capsule and with introduced pressure sensor to differentiate each of their influences. The load free knee-flexion-path (“passive path”) could be calculated for all of the ten knees and was utilised as the basis for all dynamic measurements. There was no alteration of the “flexion-path”. Thus the measurements were only influenced by the variables “capsular joint opening,” “muscular quadriceps loading” and “MPFL-tension”. The custom made connections between the five quadriceps components and weights proved to be a secure way to prevent rupture due to the applied forces of up to 70 N during the average measuring time of 7.5 h/knee. Only on one knee the Vastus lateralis obliquus muscle ruptured proximally. All reference bases were 100% visible despite the knee flexion form 0°–90°. No loosening of the reference base screws occurred. Overall the combination of a robotic-assisted, force free dynamic knee-flexion under quadriceps simulation and 3D-patella-tracking seems to be a promising method to evaluate the biomechanical influences of ligaments on the human knee.
