Evaluation of bioactive bone cement in canine total hip arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were performed in beagle dogs using a bioactive bone cement (BABC) consisting of a silane-treated apatite- and wollastonite-containing glass-ceramic (AW glass-ceramic) powder and a silica glass powder as the filling particles and a bisphenol-A-glycidyl dimethacrylate-based resin (Bis-GMA-based resin) as the organic matrix. The outcomes were compared with the results of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement. The mechanical properties of the BABC were stronger than those of PMMA bone cement. The bonding strength of the BABC to bone in the dogs' femora increased with time and reached 3.7 MPa at 24 months after implantation whereas that of PMMA bone cement was 2.0 MPa (p < 0.05). Histological examination showed direct bonding between the BABC and the femoral bone for up to 24 months after implantation. However, with PMMA bone cement an intervening soft-tissue layer consistently was observed at the bone-cement interface. Direct bonding at the interface between the BABC and the bone through a calcium phosphorous layer 30 microm-thick was revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Femoral bone resorption was observed at 24 months after implantation in the BABC group, but it was not observed in the PMMA bone cement group. Direct bonding between BABC and the bone may have accelerated femoral bone resorption. Cement fractures of the BABC were observed on the acetabular side 24 months after implantation. Weak bonding between the BABC and an acetabular component made of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), relatively high elastic characteristics of BABC, and weakness of the calcium phosphorous layer formed on the surface of this cement seemed to lead to failure at 24 months on the acetabular side.     

Sintering temperature effects on the in vitro bioactive response of tape cast and sintered bioactive glass-ceramic in Tris buffer

Tape casting procedures were used to form thin polymeric sheets (100 microm thickness) loaded with bioactive glass particulate. Blanks were punched from the sheets, stacked, laminated, and heated in air to 500 degrees C to remove the organic phase. The resulting bioactive glass discs were sintered at 800 degrees C, 900 degrees C, or 1000 degrees C. Because the material is built up in layers and can be machined in the green state, such a processing technique can be used to form complex-shaped materials. The in vitro bioactivity of the tape cast sintered (TCS) bioactive glass-ceramic discs was then assessed in Tris buffer. The sample surface area to volume buffer (SA/V) ratio was approximately 0.1 cm(2)/mL. Tape cast bioactive glass-ceramic sintered at 900 degrees C and 1000 degrees C formed crystalline hydroxyapatite layers after 24 h in Tris buffer as indicated by FTIR, SEM, and EDS analysis. Decreasing the SA/V ratio to 0.013 cm(2)/mL allowed for the formation of crystalline hydroxyapatite layers on the surface of 800C TCS bioactive glass-ceramic. Given the dependence of the bioactive response as a function of the processing schedule and SA/V ratio, it may be possible to tailor the response to that desired in vivo or in vitro for tissue engineering studies. Biaxial flexural strength of TCS bioactive glass-ceramic increased with increasing sintering temperature. Strength of samples sintered at 1000 degrees C for 3 h increased from 87 to 120 MPa after 2 weeks' immersion in Tris buffer.     

Competition of fracture mechanisms in monolithic dental ceramics: flat model systems

Monolithic (single layer) glass-ceramic restorations often fail from chipping and fracture. Using blunt indentation of a model flat porcelain-like brittle layer bonded onto a dentin-like polymer support system, a variety of fatigue fracture modes has been identified and analyzed: outer cone, inner cone, and median cracks developing in the near-contact region at the occlusal surface; radial cracks developing at the internal cementation surface along the loading axis. Our findings indicate that monolithic glass-ceramic layers are vulnerable to both occlusal surface damage and cementation internal surface fracture. Clinical issues in the longevity of ceramic restorations are discussed in relation to biting force, physical properties of ceramic crowns and luting cement, and thicknesses of ceramic and cement layers.     

Evaluation of the effect of water-uptake on the impedance of dental resins

Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) offers a quantitative method of measuring the stability of resin films in aqueous solution over time. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the EIS of five experimental dental adhesive films (ca. 17 microm thick) of increasing hydrophilicity (ranked by their Hoy's solubility parameters), and how much these values change over 3 weeks in aqueous buffer. METHODS: The resin films were placed in a U-shaped chamber and a pair of Ag-AgCl electrodes was used for EIS. The EIS results were confirmed by immersing the films in 50% AgNO3 for 24 h to trace the distribution of any water absorption into the resins by TEM observations. RESULTS: The resistance (Rr) of the resins 1-4 films increased most during the first day, and varied from 1x10(11) ohm for resin 1, to 40Omega for resin 5 at day 1. The day 1 Rr values of resins 1-4 were inversely proportional to their Hoy's solubility parameter for hydrogen bonding forces. Electrical impedance values of resins 1-3 and 5 varied widely but were relatively constant over time, while those of resin 4 decreased more than 99% from day 1 to 21 (p<0.05). Capacitance (Cr) of films of resins 1-4 all increased over the first day and then were relatively unchanged over the 20 days (except for resin 4 that continued to increase) and were between 0.01 and 1 nF. Silver uptake by TEM revealed the development of water-filled branching structures that formed in resins 4 and 5 over time.     

Dosimetry of soft x-rays in thin liquid layers

Very thin material layers (<100 microm) partially absorb ionizing radiation of low energy. When irradiating monolayer cell cultures from above, attention must be paid to absorption by the medium. Frequently, the volume of the nutrient medium is variable, and this leads to differences in the radiation doses delivered to the cells. In the present work these conditions were investigated for x-rays of energies between 13 kV and 100 kV in comparison with 60Co gamma rays using chemical dosimetry to measure the absorption by liquid layers between 25 microm and 500 microm thick. When the dose as measured with the ionization chamber was held constant, the dose absorbed in the Fricke solution was shown to increase with decreasing thickness of the layer of liquid because of a dose gradient. The effect of the dose gradient disappeared, however, in thick liquid layers of the Fricke solution by mixing during spectrophotometry. Secondary (photoeffect and Compton) electrons produced in air or filters are responsible for this effect in plastic petri dishes where back scattering at the interface does not occur. This interpretation is suggested by the same results of an analogous experimental setup using gamma rays with a 5-mm-thick Perspex plate. This dose increase in very thin layers, however, could not be verified by irradiating monolayer cells in poured-out plastic petri dishes because the secondary electrons are already absorbed in the remaining liquid film above the cells.     

Micro- and nanostructuring of freestanding, biodegradable, thin sheets of chitosan via soft lithography

A technique for imparting micro- and nanostructured topography into the surface of freestanding thin sheets of chitosan is described. Both micro- and nanometric surface structures have been produced using soft lithography. The soft lithography method, based on solvent evaporation, has allowed structures approximately 60 nm tall and approximately 500 x 500 nm(2) to be produced on freestanding approximately 0.5 mm thick sheets of the polymer when cured at 293 K, and structures approximately 400 nm tall and 5 x 5 microm(2) to be produced when cured at 283 K. Nonstructured chitosan thin sheets (approximately 200 microm thick) show excellent optical transmission properties in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The structured sheets can be used for applications where optical microscopic analysis is required, such as cell interaction experiments and tissue engineering.     

Histological evaluation of the bone response to calcium phosphate cement implanted in cortical bone

The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical and biological properties of a newly developed calcium phosphate cement (CaP cement) implanted in cortical bone. CaP cement was injected as a paste into tibia cortical bone defects in goats. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement was used as a control. The animals were killed after 3 days, 2, 8, 16 and 24 weeks. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy performed at retrieved samples showed that the CaP cement had set as a carbonate apatite and remained stable over time. Light microscopic evaluation showed that after 2 weeks the cement was in tight contact with the bone without any inflammatory reaction or fibrous encapsulation. At later time points, the CaP cement implants were totally covered by a thin layer of bone and osteoclasts, present at the interface, which were clearly resorbing the cement. At locations where CaP cement was resorbed, new bone was deposited. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that indeed a seamless contact existed between CaP cement and bone, as characterized by the occurrence of an electron dense line of 50-60 nm thick that covered the CaP cement. Osteoblasts, in contact with the cement, were depositing new bone. Although the bulk of the material was still in situ after 24 weeks, the progressive osteoclast resorption of the cement followed by new bone formation suggests that all of the material may be replaced eventually. In contrast to the CaP cement, the PMMA reference cement was always surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule. The results indicate that the investigated CaP cement is biocompatible, osteoconductive as well as osteotransductive and is a candidate material for use as a bone substitute.     

Effects of resin formulation and nanofiller surface treatment on in vitro wear of experimental hybrid resin composite

While adding nonbonded nanofillers and lowering the viscosity of the resin matrix have shown success in reducing deleterious polymerization stresses in dental composites, their effects on wear resistance is unknown. This study evaluated abrasion and attrition wear of experimental composites with varied resin viscosities [inherent to varied ratios of TEGDMA:UDMA:bis-GMA (47:33:16 wt%; 30:33:33 wt%; 12:33:51 wt%)] and nanofiller surface treatment (12.6 wt% silanated or unsilanated silica: OX-50; 0.04 microm). Specimens (n = 6) were light cured, aged in water at 37 degrees C for 7 days, and evaluated in the new OHSU oral wear simulator (100,000 cycles). Nonbonded nanofiller increased abrasion and attrition in the low and medium viscosity composites. Increase in resin viscosity increased abrasion and attrition in composites containing silanated nanofiller, with equivocal effects in composites containing unsilanated nanofiller. Nonbonded nanofiller can lower the overall wear resistance of some composite formulations. Increasing resin viscosity generally lowers the wear resistance, but had minimal effect on composites containing nonbonded nanofiller.     

Interactions between glass ionomer cement and alkali metal fluoride solutions: the effect of different cations

This study examines the effect of different cations in equimolar alkali metal fluoride solutions on their interactions with glass ionomer cements. Uptake of both fluoride and cation were measured together with change in solution pH and morphological changes in the cement surface. Two cements were used; AH2, a dental restorative cement containing both fluorine and alkali metal (Na) as glass components and LG30, which contained neither. Discs of cement 1 x 10 mm were set in moulds at 37 degrees C for 1 h then, stored in water for 3 days at 37 degrees C. Discs in each test group (N = 5) were immersed in 10 ml of solutions of either NaF, KF, or RbF, all containing 900ppm F, control discs were stored in water, all at 37 degrees C for 24h. Solutions were analysed for F- by ISE potentiometry, Na+ by the same technique and K+ and Rb+ were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Uptake was obtained by difference between solution used for immersion and the control solution. Solution pH was measured potentiometrically. The surface roughness of the discs was measured by linear stylus profilometry. Fluoride ion uptakes for AH2 were 451 micromol/g NaF, 378 KF, and 318 RbF. The comparable figures for LG30 were 202, 161, and 159. Differences between cements were all statistically significant and also between solutions pairings except for the KF/LG30 vs. RbF/LG30. Uptake of cations was equimolar for AH2/ NaF, AH2/RbF and LG30/KF but M+:F- ratios were significantly above unity for AH2/KF and LG30/NaF and significantly below unity for LG30/RbF. The pH changes were all positive and were significantly higher for AH2 than LG30 and for RbF compared to the other fluoride solutions for each cement (probably because of its lower initial pH). The final pH of all solutions were less than I pH unit from neutral (pH7). The AH2 cement test discs all showed significant increase in roughness (Ra) compared to control discs stored in water whereas the LG30 discs showed no such difference. Regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between fluoride uptake and Ra. It was concluded that changing the alkali metal cation influenced all four variables examined (F- uptake, M+ uptake, pH change and extent of cement surface roughening).     

Effects of resin formulation and nanofiller surface treatment on the properties of experimental hybrid resin composite

This study evaluated the effects of nanofiller surface treatment and resin viscosity on the early and long-term properties of experimental hybrid composites. Three resin formulations (low, medium and high viscosity) were prepared by varying the ratio of TEGDMA:UDMA:bis-GMA (47:33:16 wt%; 30:33:33 wt%; 12:33:51 wt%). Composites contained 71.3 wt% silanated strontium glass (1-3 microm) and 12.6 wt% of either silanated or unsilanated silica (OX-50; 0.04 microm). Specimens (n=10) for flexural strength, flexural modulus, fracture toughness and Knoop hardness were tested after 24 h, 1 and 6 months exposure to water at 37 degrees C. Degree of conversion (DC) was determined 24 h after photoinitiation using FTIR. Resin viscosity only had a marginal influence on the mechanical response of composites but it can be adjusted to achieve a balance between DC and mechanical properties. Adding non-bonded nanofiller to hybrid composites had no systematic effect on DC. Non-bonded nanofillers had no significant effect on the long-term properties of hybrid composites.     

In vitro degradation of resin-dentin bonds analyzed by microtensile bond test,scanning and transmission electron microscopy

Our knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for the degradation of resin-dentin bonds are poorly understood. This study investigated the degradation of resin-dentin bonds after 1 year immersion in water. Resin-dentin beams (adhesive area: 0.9mm(2)) were made by bonding using a resin adhesive, to extracted human teeth. The experimental beams were stored in water for 1 year. Beams that had been stored in water for 24h were used as controls. After water storage, the beams were subjected to microtensile bond testing. The dentin side of the fractured surface was observed using FE-SEM. Subsequently, these fractured beams were embedded in epoxy resin and examined by TEM. The bond strength of the control specimens (40.3+/-15.1MPa) decreased significantly (p<0.01) after 1 year of water exposure (13.3+/-5.6MPa). Loss of resin was observed within fractured hybrid layers in the 1 year specimens but not in the controls. Transmission electron microscopic examination revealed the presence of micromorphological alterations in the collagen fibrils after 1 year of water storage. These micromorphological changes (resin elution and alteration of the collagen fibrils) seem to be responsible for the bond degradation leading to bond strength reduction.     

Bioactivity of tape cast and sintered bioactive glass-ceramic in simulated body fluid

A common ceramic processing technique, tape casting, was used to produce thin, flexible sheets of bioactive glass (Bioglass 45S5) particulate in an organic matrix. Tape casting offers the possibility of producing three-dimensional shapes, as the final material is built up layer by layer. Bioactive glass tapes were sintered together to form small discs for in vitro bioactivity testing in simulated body fluid (SBF). Four different sintering schedules were investigated: 800, 900, and 1000 degrees C for 3 h; and 1000 degrees C for 6 h. Each schedule produced a crystalline material of major phase Na2Ca2Si3O9. Tape cast and sintered bioactive glass-ceramic processed at 1000 degrees C formed crystalline hydroxyapatite layers after 20-24 h in SBF as indicated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, and EDS data. FTIR revealed that the greatest amount of hydroxyapatite formation after 2 h was observed for samples sintered at 900 degrees C. The differences in bioactive response were likely caused by the variation in the extent of sintering and, consequently, the amount of surface area available for reaction with SBF.     

In-depth polymerization of dual-cured resin cement assessed by hardness

This study investigates the in-depth polymerization of dual-cured resin cement (Enforce; Dentsply, shades A2, B1, and opaque). Cylindrical specimens are obtained by photo-activation through ceramic. Control samples are light-cured without using ceramic. Samples are tested after 15 min or 24 h. Knoop hardness readings are made at 100, 300, 500, and 700 microm depth. Hardness is generally dependent on the mode of activation and post-cure time. Shades A2 and B1 show higher hardness values than opaque resin. Hardness at 100 microm is higher than at 700 microm. A linear relationship between hardness and depth is observed.     

Effect of YSZ thin film coating thickness on the strength of a ceramic substrate

Although ceramics are used for many different biomedical applications they are brittle materials that can be compromised by surface defects when under stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of surface modification with an yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin film coating on the strength of a machinable dental ceramic. Fifty bars (2 mm x 2 mm x 15 mm) were cut from ProCAD (Ivoclar-Vivadent) blocks. Specimens were wet-polished through 1200-grit SiC abrasive. One surface of each bar was sandblasted with 50 microm Al(2)O(3) abrasive (0.34 MPa). Specimens were further modified through the deposition of a sputtered YSZ thin film on the sandblasted surface. Different thin film thicknesses were evaluated: 1, 3, 5, and 7 microm. Depositions were performed using a radio frequency magnetron sputter system (working pressure of 15 mT, 150 degrees C, 30:1 Ar/O(2) gas ratio). Flexural strength measurements were carried out by three-point bending (span = 10 mm) in a servo-electric material testing system in DI water (37 degrees C). The results showed that the strength of porcelain significantly increased with the deposition of a 3-microm YSZ thick coating. A nonlinear relationship was observed between film thickness and strength. Strengthening of porcelain is shown through the application of a sputtered YSZ thin film. It is presumed that the strengthening mechanism is due to modification of surface flaws and/or surface residual stress by the applied thin film.     

Preparation of porous composite implant materials by in situ polymerization of porous apatite containing epsilon-caprolactone or methyl methacrylate

Biodegradable and biostable composite foams were formed from porous apatite cement infiltrated with epsilon-caprolactone (CL) or methylmethacrylate (MMA) using a high over vacuum. For CL composites in situ polymerization was induced using trace water as an initiator and heating at 120 degrees C for up to 10 days or at 80 degrees C for 60 days. MMA composites were polymerized using AIBN initiator at 70 degrees C for 8 h. CL preparations gave composites with a polycaprolactone (PCL) number average of molecular weight (Mn) up to the maximum of 7.1 x 10(3) g/mol after 10 days and 16.8 x 10(3) g/mol after 60 days. The PCL and PMMA contents were close to 50 and 40 wt%, respectively, polymer was present as a thin coating on the apatite crystal plates and was evenly distributed throughout the samples. Re-evacuation of apatite saturated with monomer during preparation ensured that the upwards of 200 nm microchannels within the apatite cement were largely free of polymer, and the overall macroporous structure of the apatite foams was partly retained. Maximum compressive strengths increased from 9 MPa to 37 and 64 MPa for PCL and PMMA composites, respectively. The water drop contact angle of the PCL composite was 64 degrees, and therefore suitable for cell attachment. PMMA composite surfaces were more hydrophobic. Composites were subjected to corona discharge to induce suitable moderate hydrophilicity at the surface.     

The effect of nanofiller on the opacity of experimental composites

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the nanofiller in experimental composites on opacity (contrast ratio). Thirteen experimental composites were prepared with three different sizes of fillers: barium glass minifiller (1 microm; 69-76 wt %), silica microfiller (0.04 microm; 0-6 wt %), and silica nanofiller (7 nm; 0-7 wt %). After disk-type specimens were irradiated with a halogen light curing unit at 500 mW/cm(2) for 30 s, the specimens were aged for 6 h at room conditions and were stored in deionized water for 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 56, and 84 days. The contrast ratios of the specimens were measured as a function of aging period using a spectrophotometer. The distribution morphology of the filler particles in the resin matrix was also examined using energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy. The experimental composites that contained more than 3% nanofiller had significantly lower contrast ratios (p < 0.05). The composites that contained 6 wt % nanofiller had contrast ratios 34-65% lower than the composite that did not contain nanofiller. The values of the contrast ratio from the composites that excluded microfiller were lower than the values from the composites that included microfiller. From the comparison with the 3 different sizes of filler, the contrast ratio of the composite that contained 70 wt % minifiller and 6 wt % microfiller was the highest, the contrast ratio of the composite that contained only 76 wt % minifiller was the median value, and the contrast ratio of the composite that contained 70 wt % minifiller and 6 wt % nanofiller was the lowest. When the microfiller content was decreased from 6 wt % to 0 wt %, the contrast ratio decreased 6-9%. Energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy images indicated that the contrast ratio of experimental composites is related to the distribution morphology of the filler particles in the resin matrix.     

尿肝型脂肪酸结合蛋白和高龄患者经皮冠状动脉介入术后肾功能损伤的相关性

目的:探讨在经皮冠状动脉介入术(percutaneous coronary intervention,PCI)的高龄患者中,尿肝型脂肪酸结合蛋白(urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein,u L-FABP)与术后急性肾功能损伤及肾脏预后(90 d)的关系。方法:前瞻性收集48例高龄(60岁及以上)患者PCI前后不同时相(术前和术后6 h、24 h、48 h)的尿液标本,并监测他们术前及术后24 h、48 h的血清肌酐(serum creatinine,s Cr)水平。其中14个患者s Cr在术后48 h内上升大于20μmol/L,我们将这14位患者纳入本研究,检测这些患者的u L-FABP值,对各个时相的u L-FABP值与48 h内s Cr上升值进行相关性分析。此外,对上述14位患者随访90 d,监测他们肾小球滤过率估计值(estimated glomerular filtration rate,e GFR)的变化,分析u L-FABP和90 d e GFR变化值的相关性。结果:与术前相比,术后24 h和48h的u L-FABP水平显著升高(P0.05);而患者s Cr水平在术后48 h才显著升高(P0.05)。术前、术后48 h的u L-FABP与48 h内s Cr上升值均呈正相关(P0.01);术后随访90 d,各个时相的u L-FABP和术后90 d的e GFR变化值无显著相关性。结论:高龄患者PCI术后u L-FABP的升高早于s Cr的升高,术前u L-FABP可提示术后48 h内的急性肾功能损伤。     

In vitro analysis of the stimulation of bone formation by highly bioactive apatite- and wollastonite-containing glass-ceramic: released calcium ions promote osteogenic differentiation in osteoblastic ROS17/2.8 cells.

We analyzed the mechanisms of the efficient bone formation on the osteoconductive surface of apatite- and wollastonite-containing glass-ceramic (AW) by using an in vitro system. AW releases Ca ions and bonds to bone via a submicron-thick hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) layer. AW disks were conditioned with simulated body fluid (SBF) to grow HCA layers, and the amount of released Ca ion was regulated by modulating the conditioning time from 24 to 240 h. Surface-transformed AW disks increased alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity in osteoblastic ROS17/2.8 cells by 1.5- to threefold over unconditioned disks. AW disks conditioned for 24 h [AW(24)], which had a homogeneous, submicron-thick apatite layer and increased extracellular ionized Ca concentration ([Ca(2+)](e)) in the culture medium to the greatest extent, enhanced the AP activity the most. High [Ca(2+)](e) promoted osteogenic differentiation in ROS17/2.8 cells: It increased AP activity in a dose-dependent manner by up to 1.6-fold, and up-regulated the expression of AP, osteocalcin (OC), and transforming growth factor-beta1 mRNAs in dose- and time-dependent manners. AW(24) enhanced AP activity in ROS17/2.8 cells as much as AW disks conditioned with SBF containing serum to exhibit in vivo surface-structure changes. AW(24) increased AP activity in ROS17/2.8 cells by 1.6-fold and enhanced the expression of AP and OC mRNAs significantly, compared with sintered hydroxyapatite (HA). After implantation of AW and HA in the distal metaphyses of rabbit femurs, thin, newly formed bone lined with cuboidal, osteoblast-like cells was characteristically observed adjacent to the AW surface within 8 days. These results provide evidence for the hypothesis that AW stimulates bone formation on its surface by increasing [Ca(2+)](e) to promote the HCA layer formation and the differentiation of osteogenic cells.     

Flexural strength distribution of a PMMA-based bone cement

Polymethylmethacrylate bone cement containing either no added antibiotic or 0.5 g of Gentamicin was prepared and stored either in air at room temperature or in a 37 degree C water bath for 48 h. An additive-free cement stored in air at room temperature was also tested for purposes of comparison. Following storage the specimens were tested in flexure. Weibull statistics demonstrated to fit the flexural strength distribution of all the materials tested with regression coefficients of at least 0.98. The presence of a BaSO(4) radiopacifier markedly reduced the mean flexural strength and increased the data scatter in the air-stored specimens. On the other hand, the flexural strength of both impregnated and nonimpregnated antibiotic increased when those materials were stored in water at 37 degree C, compared with the same material stored in air, as a consequence of the water ingress. The water-stored antibiotic-impregnated cement displayed lower flexural strength, increased data scatter, and a remarkably higher number of weak specimens compared with the antibiotic-free cement. The influence of the load type on the flexural behavior was studied by testing the air-stored specimens in three-point bending and four-point bending. Cements tested in four-point bending resulted in lower flexural strength than that tested in three-point bending. The ratio of mean strength measured in the different load arrangements was satisfactory, as predicted by the Weibull model.     

Osteoconductivity and bone-bonding strength of high- and low-viscous bioactive bone cements.

A study was conducted to evaluate the osteoconductivity and bone-bonding ability of two types of bioactive bone cement, both consisting of apatite and wollastonite containing glass-ceramic powder (AW-P), fused silica glass powder (SG-P), submicron fumed silica as an inorganic filler, and bisphenol-a-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) based resin as an organic matrix. The cements had two kinds of formulas: one (dough-type cement; designated DTC) composed of 85% (w/w) filler and 15% resin, which was developed for fixation of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty and could be handled manually; and one (injection-type cement; designated ITC) composed of 79% (w/w) filler and 21% resin. ITC was developed for fixation of the femoral component and, because it had a lower viscosity than DTC, could be injected. The DTC and ITC both contained 73% AW-P, 25% SG-P, and 2% fumed silica in the weight ratio of the filler component. Two other types of cement, both of which consisted of 83.3% AW-P or SG-P, 1.7% fumed silica, and 15% resin, were used as reference material (designated AWC or SGC) for a detaching test. Following the packing of bone defects in the rat tibiae with either DTC or ITC, histological examination revealed that the DTC and ITC had both directly contacted the bone and were almost completely surrounded by bone by 16 weeks after the surgery and that no marked biodegradation had occurred at 52 weeks postimplantation. Rectangular plates (2 x 10 x 15 mm) of AWC, DTC, ITC, and SGC were implanted into the metaphysis of the tibia of male rabbits and the failure load was measured by a detaching test at 10 and 25 weeks after implantation. The failure loads of AWC, DTC, ITC, and SGC were 3.65, 2.21, 2.44, and 0.04 kgf at 10 weeks and 4.87, 2. 81, 2.82, and 0.13 kgf at 25 weeks, respectively. Observation of the bone-implant interface by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis revealed that all the samples except SGC formed direct contact with the bone and that only AWC-implanted tibiae had a layer of a low calcium and phosphorus level at the bone-implant interface. Results showed that DTC and ITC have excellent osteoconductivity and bone-bonding ability under non-weight-bearing conditions.