3D打印技术制备新型HA/ZrO2梯度复合材料在犬股骨干骨缺损修复中的应用

目的 运用3D打印技术制备新型羟基磷灰石/二氧化锆(HA/ZrO₂)梯度复合材料,分析其性能,并观察其修复比格犬股骨干骨缺损的能力。方法 随机抽取6月龄雄性比格犬1只,截去右下肢股骨中段全层15 mm制成骨缺损模型后,放入动物专用Micro CT进行容积扫描,完成数据采集、转化及后期处理,将处理后的数据导入CeraFab 7500光固化3D打印机中。根据设定参数启动打印程序,形成复合光敏树脂初胚,并对其进一步脱脂烧结,然后采用浸涂法制备HA/ZrO₂梯度复合材料。运用扫描电镜、X射线衍射(XRD)和生物力学实验分析HA/ZrO₂梯度复合材料的性能。制备HA/ZrO₂梯度复合材料浸提液。培养小鼠成纤维细胞株L929,采用噻唑蓝(MTT)法检测HA/ZrO₂梯度复合材料对体外细胞增殖和毒性的影响。将16只比格犬随机分为4组,每组4只。A组:截取犬股骨中段15 mm后,不植入任何材料;B组、C组、D组分别截去股骨中段15、25、35 mm制成骨缺损模型,然后分别植入相应规格的HA/ZrO₂梯度复合材料。术后第2、4、8、12 周拍摄术肢股骨正侧位X片,观察植入材料与自身骨结合情况及周围骨痂生长情况。术后12 周处死实验动物,截取整段股骨,大体观察标本植入材料与周围骨生长状况;行Micro CT扫描,测定新生骨量,并对新生骨进行3D图像重建;对股骨标本进行极限抗压实验,测量极限抗压强度。结果 运用3D打印技术制备的HA/ZrO₂梯度复合材料扫描电镜显示表面光滑,结构均匀,断口表面层均匀过渡结合,没有明显界限,相互之间冶金结合,结构稳定。XRD分析显示HA及ZrO₂峰形明显、结晶程度较好、粉体纯度高。抗压试验显示极限抗压强度为(43.37±2.31) MPa。MTT试验显示HA/ZrO₂梯度复合材料无明显细胞毒性。实验动物术后X线片显示:A组术后形成骨不连;B组有连续性骨痂通过,人工假体与宿主骨之间的界线消失;C组术后第2、4、8周连续性骨痂及新生骨长入速度较B组缓慢,但人工假体与断端间隙逐渐被新生骨填充,有连续性骨痂通过;D组新骨生成缓慢,仅在断端周围出现新生骨。术后12周取材,Micro CT 3D重建及新生骨量检测,B、C、D组单位体积新生骨量分别为(238.55±19.11) mm³/cm³、(223.31±13.41) mm³/cm³、(110.83±6.48) mm³/cm³,3组间比较差异有统计学意义(F=156.824,P＜0.01),其中B、C组新生骨量明显多于D组,差异均有统计学意义(P值均＜0.05)。新生骨CT 3D重建显示:B组复合材料整体被新生骨包绕,无外露;C组复合材料少许外露,表面基本被新生骨填塞;D组复合材料大部外露,新生骨散在长入。B、C、D组股骨标本极限抗压强度分别为(49.72±2.33) MPa、(49.81±2.43) MPa、(46.92±3.61) MPa,3组间比较差异无统计学意义(F=1.119,P＞0.05)。结论 运用3D打印技术制备的纳米HA/ZrO₂梯度复合材料具有可靠的生物相容性及生物力学强度,可以实现临床个体化治疗原则,能很好地修复犬股骨干35 mm内骨缺损,是一种理想的骨组织替换材料。     

Hollow-Bone-Graft Dynamic Hip Screw Can Fix and Promote Bone Union after Femoral Neck Fracture: an Experimental Research

Background: Delayed bone union, nonunion or osteonecrosis often occur after femoral neck fractures in young adults. Secondary bone healing requires strong internal fixation, intramedullary pressure reduction and early functional exercise.Objective: To compare bone healing of femoral neck fractures treated with hollow-bone-graft dynamic hip screws (Hb-DHS) and standard dynamic hip screws (DHS) in an animal model.Design: Testing of specifically designed fixation devices in a pig animal model.Interventions/Methods: We designed Hb-DHS and DHS devices appropriate to the femoral neck and head of experimental animals and used them in eight pigs (4-month-old, male or female, 30-40 kg/each). Under anesthesia, we induced medium neck type, Garden III type femoral neck fractures in each pig with fracture gaps of 0.5 mm and then fixed each left femur with Hb-DHS and each right femur with DHS. We assessed the animals radiographically and by postmortem visual appraisal of evidence of bone healing 8 and 16 weeks postoperatively.Results: There were significant differences in radiographic and general findings between the Hb-DHS and DHS groups at weeks 8 and 16 postoperatively. We found statistically significant differences between the Hb-DHS and DHS groups in bone healing scores, trabecular bone volume percentage and bone mineral density as assessed on plain radiographs and computed tomography images (P < 0.05). There were also significant differences between the Hb-DHS and DHS groups in postmortem visually assessed indicators of bone healing at both 8 and 16 weeks postoperatively.Conclusions: The Hb-DHS device promotes femoral neck bone union, stimulates trabecular bone formation, increases BMD and has advantages over DHS for internal fixation of femoral neck fractures. This animal experiment will contribute to developing optimal treatment for femoral neck fractures in young adults.     

Poly(D,L-lactide/epsilon-caprolactone)/hydroxyapatite composites as bone filler: an in vivo study in rats

In this study, a novel composite bone substitute was implanted in animal models (rats) and their in vivo characteristics were examined. A D,L-lactide and E-caprolactone copolymer (Mw: 80,000; Mn:40,000, and PI:2.00) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of the respective dimers using stannous octoate as the catalyst. The final ratio of D,L-lactide to epsilon-caprolactone obtained by 1NMR was 60/40. Hydroxyapatite (HA) powder was loaded in the copolymer. The HA/copolymer ratio was 60/40 (w/w). These composites were easily shaped by hand. Animal tests were performed on mature wistar rats (n=30). Defects were created on the proximal, the thickest part of the femur. The bone defects of the first group were filled with polymer/HA composite, the second group filled with only HA and the third group was left empty. Histologic examination of bone tissues showed new bone formation around the yellow-green polymer/HA composite material in the first group of animals whereas no evidence of new bone growth was observed in other groups.     

An amphiphilic degradable polymer/hydroxyapatite composite with enhanced handling characteristics promotes osteogenic gene expression in bone marrow stromal cells

Electrospun polymer/hydroxyapatite (HA) composites combining biodegradability with osteoconductivity are attractive for skeletal tissue engineering applications. However, most biodegradable polymers such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are hydrophobic and do not blend with adequate interfacial adhesion with HA, compromising the structural homogeneity, mechanical integrity and biological performance of the composite. To overcome this challenge, we combined a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) block with poly(d,l-lactic acid) to improve the adhesion of the degradable polymer with HA. The amphiphilic triblock copolymer PLA–PEG–PLA (PELA) improved the stability of HA–PELA suspension at 25 wt.% HA content, which was readily electrospun into HA–PELA composite scaffolds with uniform fiber dimensions. HA–PELA was highly extensible (failure strain >200% vs. <40% for HA–PLA), superhydrophilic (～0° water contact angle vs. >100° for HA–PLA), and exhibited an 8-fold storage modulus increase (unlike deterioration for HA–PLA) upon hydration, owing to the favorable interaction between HA and PEG. HA–PELA also better promoted osteochondral lineage commitment of bone marrow stromal cells in unstimulated culture and supported far more potent osteogenic gene expression upon induction than HA–PLA. We demonstrate that the chemical incorporation of PEG is an effective strategy to improve the performance of degradable polymer/HA composites for bone tissue engineering applications.     

Hydroxyapatite/polylactide biphasic combination scaffold loaded with dexamethasone for bone regeneration

This study presents a novel design of a ceramic/polymer biphasic combination scaffold that mimics natural bone structures and is used as a bone graft substitute. To mimic the natural bone structures, the outside cortical-like shells were composed of porous hydroxyapatite (HA) with a hollow interior using a polymeric template-coating technique; the inner trabecular-like core consisted of porous poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) that was loaded with dexamethasone (DEX) and was directly produced using a particle leaching/gas forming technique to create the inner diameter of the HA scaffold. It was observed that the HA and PLA parts of the fabricated HA/PLA biphasic scaffold contained open and interconnected pore structures, and the boundary between both parts was tightly connected without any gaps. It was found that the structure of the combination scaffold was analogous to that of natural bone based on micro-computed tomography analysis. Additionally, the dense, uniform apatite layer was formed on the surface of the HA/PLA biphasic scaffold through a biomimetic process, and DEX was successfully released from the PLA of the biphasic scaffold over a 1-month period. This release caused human embryonic palatal mesenchyme cells to proliferate, differentiate, produce ECM, and form tissue in vitro. Therefore, it was concluded that this functionally graded scaffold is similar to natural bone and represents a potential bone-substitute material.     

数字三维影像测量模型在复杂长骨骨折修复中的应用：随机对照、6个月随访、临床试验方案

BACKGROUND: During internal fixation for complex long bone fractures, it is difficult to position the internal fixator completely to the contours of the bone surface, often resulting in unstable fixation and affecting the quality of the repair. Digital three-dimensional (3D) models were therefore established based on computed tomography (CT) scans that closely reflected the site and degree of fractures, thereby guiding precise positioning of the internal fixator. From a safety point of view, the digital 3D-derived model was created to ensure that the internal fixator could achieve better repairs of complex long bone fractures.     

Long-term study of high-strength hydroxyapatite/poly(L-lactide) composite rods for the internal fixation of bone fractures: a 2-4-year follow-up study in rabbits

Biodegradation of hydroxyapatite (HA)/poly(L-lactide)(PLLA) composite bone implant rods was studied with the use of two types of HA particles as reinforcing fillers: uncalcined HA (u-HA) or calcined HA (c-HA). Composite rods of u-HA/PLLA and c-HA/PLLA containing 30 or 40% (w/w) HA were implanted in the distal femur of 21 rabbits, and specimens were examined by light microscopy, scanning-electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission-electron microscopy (TEM) 2-4 years later. For u-HA/PLLA, trabecular bone bonding directly onto the rod was maintained for up to 2 years. By 3 years, surface collapse had begun, and the implants were shrinking. By 4 years, they had shrunk further, with complete bone encapsulation. The u-HA particles were small and needle shaped in the peripheries, and TEM confirmed their resorption. The cross-sectional area after 4 years decreased by 23.3+/-8.4%. The mean ratio of bony ingrowth to the initial cross-sectional area around the shrunken rods was 6.7+/-1.3 %. The viscosity molecular weight of PLLA reduced from 2 x 10(5) to less than 1 x 10(3). Thus, most of the PLLA had released from the rods. The c-HA/PLLA implants also showed good osteoconductivity, but shrinkage and infiltration of histiocytes were less. No osteolytic or osteoarthritic changes were found.     

两种方法治疗股骨干骨折合并较大游离骨块的效果比较

目的　比较两种方法治疗股骨干骨折合并较大游离骨块的效果差异。 方法　选择66例股骨干骨折合并较大游离骨块行切开复位内固定治疗患者。按游离骨块处理方法不同分为对照组（35例,仅复位固定,未行钻孔和植骨）和试验组（35例,行钻孔、松质骨孔内插秧式植骨和周围植骨,以及复位固定）。比较两组的手术时间、手术出血量、骨折愈合时间、并发症发生情况和末次随访时临近关节功能恢复（HSS法）。 结果　两组患者一般资料比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。对照组的手术出血(847.58±147.53) ml和手术时间(138.43±12.10) min优于试验组（分别752.18±143.78 ml和115.27±11.31 min）,而试验组的骨折愈合时间（4.79±1.00 月）、骨延迟愈合（1/35）、骨不连（0）和内固定断裂（0）的发生率以及功能恢复（26/5/0/0）均优于对照组（分别为9.49±2.59 月,11/35,8/35,4/35和15/13/7/0）,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论　对于股骨干骨折合并较大游离骨块,仅复位固定的效果较差,而采用钻孔、松质骨植骨可以加快爬行替代愈合速度和改善骨折端的力学性能,骨折治疗效果明显优于前者。     

基于丝素/胶原/羟基磷灰石仿生骨材料的多维结构及其性能

目的 体外构建丝素蛋白（silk fibroin,SF）、I型胶原(type I collagen,Col-I)和羟基磷灰石(hydroxyapatite, HA)共混体系制备二维复合膜和三维仿生支架,研究其理化性质和生物相容性,探讨其在组织工程支架材料中应用的可行性。方法 通过在细胞培养小室底部共混SF/Col-I/HA以及低温3D打印结合真空冷冻干燥法制备二维复合膜及三维支架。通过机械性能测试、电子显微镜和Micro-CT检测材料的理化性质,检测细胞的增殖评估其生物相容性。结果 通过共混和低温3D打印获得稳定的二维复合膜及三维多孔结构支架;力学性能具有较好的一致性,孔径、吸水率、孔隙率和弹性模量均符合构建组织工程骨的要求;支架为网格状的白色立方体,内部孔隙连通性较好; HA均匀分布在复合膜中,细胞黏附在复合膜上,呈扁平状;细胞分布在支架孔壁周围,呈梭形状,生长及增殖良好。结论 利用SF/Col-I/HA共混体系成功制备复合膜及三维支架,具有较好的孔连通性与孔结构,有利于细胞和组织的生长以及营养输送,其理化性能以及生物相容性符合骨组织工程生物材料的要求。     

Preparation and characterization of biodegradable chitosan/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite rods via in situ hybridization: a potential material as internal fixation of bone fracture

A transparent and slight yellow chitosan (CS)/hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposite with high performed, potential application as internal fixation of bone fracture was prepared by a novel and simple in situ hybridization. The method solves the problem of the nano-sized particle aggregation in polymer matrix. XRD, TEM and SEM were used to determine component and morphology of the composite. Results indicated that nano-HA particles were dispersed well in CS matrix, which can also be proved by the transparent appearance of composite rod, and that the structure of composite is assembled by CS molecule in the order of layer-by-layer. The mechanical properties of the composite were evaluated by using bending strength and modulus, and compared with some other bone replacement materials such as PMMA and bone cement. The initial mechanical properties of bending strength and modulus of composite are 86 MPa and 3.4 GPa, respectively, which is double or triple times stronger than that of PMMA and bone cement. It was found that the bending strength and modulus of CS/HA with ratio of 100/5 (wt/wt) is slightly higher than that of pure CS rod. The addition of HA can also reduce the ratio of water absorption of composite, which postponed the retention of mechanical properties of CS/HA composite under moisture condition. The phenomenon can be predicted with the fit exponential function according the data measured.     

Biodegradable polymer/hydroxyapatite composites: surface analysis and initial attachment of human osteoblasts

Biodegradable polymer/hydroxyapatite (HA) composites have potential application as bone graft substitutes. Thin films of polymer/HA composites were produced, and the initial attachment of primary human osteoblasts (HOBs) was assessed to investigate the biocompatibility of the materials. Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) were used as matrix materials for two types of HA particles, 50-microm sintered and submicron nonsintered. Using ESEM, cell morphology on the surfaces of samples was investigated after 90 min, 4 h, and 24 h of cell culture. Cell activity and viability were assessed after 24 h of cell culture using Alamar blue and DNA assays. Surface morphology of the polymer/HA composites and HA exposure were investigated using ESEM and EDXA, respectively. ESEM enabled investigation of both cell and material surface morphology in the hydrated condition. Combined with EDXA it permitted chemical and visual examination of the composite. Differences in HA exposure were observed on the different composite surfaces that affected the morphology of attached cells. In the first 4 h of cell culture, the cells were spread to a higher degree on exposed HA regions of the composites and on PLA than they were on PCL. After 24 h the cells were spread equally on all the samples. The cell activity after 24 h was significantly higher on the polymer/HA composites than on the polymer films. There was no significant difference in the activity of the cells on the various composite materials. However, cells on PCL showed higher activity compared to those on PLA. A polymer surface exhibiting "point exposure" of HA appeared to provide a novel and favorable substrate for primary cell attachment. The cell morphology and activity results indicate a favorable cell/material interaction and suggest that PLA and PCL and their composites with HA may be candidate materials for the reconstruction of bony tissue. Further investigations regarding long-term biomaterial/cell interactions and the effects of acidic degradation products from the biodegradable polymers are required to confirm their utility.     

Hierarchically biomimetic bone scaffold materials: nano-HA/collagen/PLA composite

A bone scaffold material (nano-HA/ collagen/PLA composite) was developed by biomimetic synthesis. It shows some features of natural bone both in main composition and hierarchical microstructure. Nano-hydroxyapatite and collagen assembled into mineralized fibril. The three-dimensional porous scaffold materials mimic the microstructure of cancellous bone. Cell culture and animal model tests showed that the composite material is bioactive. The osteoblasts were separated from the neonatal rat calvaria. Osteoblasts adhered, spread, and proliferated throughout the pores of the scaffold material within a week. A 15-mm segmental defect model in the radius of the rabbit was used to evaluate the bone-remodeling ability of the composite. Combined with 0.5 mg rhBMP-2, the material block was implanted into the defect. The segmental defect was integrated 12 weeks after surgery, and the implanted composite was partially substituted by new bone tissue. This scaffold composite has promise for the clinical repair of large bony defects according to the principles of bone tissue engineering.     

Finite element comparison of retrograde intramedullary nailing and locking plate fixation with/without an intramedullary allograft for distal femur fracture following total knee arthroplasty

PurposePeriprosthetic distal femur fracture after total knee arthroplasty due to the stress-shielding phenomenon is a challenging problem. Retrograde intramedullary nail (RIMN) or locking plate (LP) fixation with/without a strut allograft has been clinically used via less invasive stabilization surgery (LISS) for the treatment of these periprosthetic fractures. However, their biomechanical differences in construct stability and implant stress have not been extensively studied, especially for the osteoporotic femur.MethodsThis study used a finite-element method to evaluate the differences between RIMN, LP, and LP/allograft fixation in treating periprosthetic distal femur fractures. There were sixteen variations of two fracture angles (transverse and oblique), two loading conditions (compression and rotation), and four bony conditions (one normal and three osteoporotic). Construct stiffness, fracture micromotion, and implant stress were chosen as the comparison indices.ResultsThe LP/allograft construct provides both lateral and middle supports to the displaced femur. Comparatively, the LP and RIMN constructs, respectively, transmit the loads through the lateral and middle paths, thus providing more unstable support to the construct and high stressing on the implants. The fracture pattern plays a minor role in the construct stabilization of the three implants. In general, the biomechanical performances of the RIMN and LP constructs were comparable and significantly inferior to those of the LP/allograft construct. The bone quality should be evaluated prior to the selection of internal fixators.ConclusionsThe LP/allograft construct significantly stabilizes the fracture gap, reduces the implant stress, and serves as the recommended fixation for periprosthetic distal femur fracture.     

LISS钢板加同种异体骨移植治疗股骨远端骨折

背景：LISS钢板可在微创下固定骨折,减少血供的破坏,LISS钢板与同种异体骨同时应用可提高骨折的愈合率。 目的：观察LISS钢板加同种异体骨移植治疗股骨远端骨折的疗效。 方法：2009/2010采用LISS钢板加同种异体骨移植治疗股骨远端粉碎骨折73例进行修复重建。男47例,女26例,年龄32~76岁。交通事故61例,高处坠落9例,其他3例。闭合性损伤57例,开放性损伤16例。根据AO分型,A型19例,B型13例,C型41例。 结果与结论：根据Kolment膝关节功能评定标准判定,优27例,良39例,差4例(1例为尿毒症患者),优良率为90.4%。结果显示LISS钢板加同种异体骨移植治疗股骨髁骨折效果满意。     

α-磷酸三钙/HA晶须/羧甲基壳聚糖-明胶复合增强多孔骨水泥的制备研究

为研究羟基磷灰石(HA)晶须和羧甲基壳聚糖-明胶(CMC-Gel)对多孔磷酸钙骨水泥(CPC)力学性能的影响,将α-磷酸三钙(α-TCP)粉、HA晶须和致孔剂L-谷氨酸钠按一定的质量比进行混合,加入调和液制备成α-TCP/HA晶须复合多孔骨水泥,然后将其浸润到一系列不同CMC和Gel质量比的溶液中以制备α-TCP/HA晶须/CMC-Gel复合增强多孔骨水泥,对其进行抗压强度测试和扫描电镜观察。结果显示,当HA晶须含量为4%,未添加CMC和Gel时,α-TCP/HA晶须复合多孔骨水泥的抗压强度达到2.57MPa,与未复合HA晶须的骨水泥相比提高了81%;当CMC和Gel的质量比为50∶50时,α-TCP/HA晶须/CMC-Gel复合多孔骨水泥的抗压强度达到最大值3.34MPa,与单纯的多孔α-TCP骨水泥相比提高了135%,同时韧性也有较大改善。     

Ornamenting 3D printed scaffolds with cell-laid extracellular matrix for bone tissue regeneration

3D printing technique is the most sophisticated technique to produce scaffolds with tailorable physical properties. But, these scaffolds often suffer from limited biological functionality as they are typically made from synthetic materials. Cell-laid mineralized ECM was shown to be potential for improving the cellular responses and drive osteogenesis of stem cells. Here, we intend to improve the biological functionality of 3D-printed synthetic scaffolds by ornamenting them with cell-laid mineralized extracellular matrix (ECM) that mimics a bony microenvironment. We developed bone graft substitutes by using 3D printed scaffolds made from a composite of polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and mineralized ECM laid by human nasal inferior turbinate tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hTMSCs). A rotary flask bioreactor was used to culture hTMSCs on the scaffolds to foster formation of mineralized ECM. A freeze/thaw cycle in hypotonic buffer was used to efficiently decellularize (97% DNA reduction) the ECM-ornamented scaffolds while preserving its main organic and inorganic components. The ECM-ornamented 3D printed scaffolds supported osteoblastic differentiation of newly-seeded hTMSCs by upregulating four typical osteoblastic genes (4-fold higher RUNX2; 3-fold higher ALP; 4-fold higher osteocalcin; and 4-fold higher osteopontin) and increasing calcium deposition compared to bare 3D printed scaffolds. In vivo, in ectopic and orthotopic models in rats, ECM-ornamented scaffolds induced greater bone formation than that of bare scaffolds. These results suggest a valuable method to produce ECM-ornamented 3D printed scaffolds as off-the-shelf bone graft substitutes that combine tunable physical properties with physiological presentation of biological signals.     

Biocompatibility of bioresorbable poly(L-lactic acid) composite scaffolds obtained by supercritical gas foaming with human fetal bone cells

The aim of this investigation was to test the biocompatibility of three-dimensional bioresorbable foams made of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA), alone or filled with hydroxyapatite (HA) or beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP), with human primary osteoblasts, using a direct contact method. Porous constructs were processed by supercritical gas foaming, after a melt-extrusion of ceramic/polymer mixture. Three neat polymer foams, with pore sizes of 170, 310, and 600 microm, and two composite foams, PLA/5 wt% HA and PLA/5 wt% beta-TCP, were examined over a 4-week culture period. The targeted application is the bone tissue-engineering field. For this purpose, human fetal and adult bone cells were chosen because of their highly osteogenic potential. The association of fetal bone cells and composite scaffold should lead to in vitro bone formation. The polymer and composite foams supported adhesion and intense proliferation of seeded cells, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Cell differentiation toward osteoblasts was demonstrated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymatic activity, gamma-carboxylated Gla-osteocalcin production, and the onset of mineralization. The addition of HA or beta-TCP resulted in higher ALP enzymatic activity for fetal bone cells and a stronger production of Gla-osteocalcin for adult bone cells.     

Architecture and properties of anisotropic polymer composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Bone is a complex porous composite structure with specific characteristics such as viscoelasticity and anisotropy, both in morphology and mechanical properties. Bone defects are regularly filled with artificial tissue grafts, which should ideally have properties similar to those of natural bone. Open cell composite foams made of bioresorbable poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) and ceramic fillers, hydroxyapatite (HA) or beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP), were processed by supercritical CO2 foaming. Their internal 3D-structure was then analysed by micro-computed tomography (microCT), which evidenced anisotropy in morphology with pores oriented in the foaming direction. Furthermore compressive tests demonstrated anisotropy in mechanical behaviour, with an axial modulus up to 1.5 times greater than the transverse modulus. Composite scaffolds also showed viscoelastic behaviour with increased modulus for higher strain rates. Such scaffolds prepared by gas foaming of polymer composite materials therefore possess suitable architecture and properties for bone tissue engineering applications.     

股骨转子间骨折内固定器械研究进展

股骨转子间骨折是常见的骨折，亦是当今创伤骨科的研究热点。随着对股骨转子间骨折认识的深入及手术固定材料技术的发展，目前手术内固定治疗已成为首选治疗方式，现行的手术内固定治疗方式主要有髓外固定和髓内固定两种，二者各有优势，但也存在不足。髓内固定因微创和生物力学的优势逐渐成为主流内固定治疗方式。本文就股骨转子间骨折内固定器械的设计、优缺点、临床应用及其发展等方面进行综述，以期为临床内固定选择提供参考。     

Keratin-hydroxyapatite composites: biocompatibility, osseointegration, and physical properties in an ovine model

Reconstituted keratin has shown promise as an orthopaedic biomaterial. This in vivo study investigates the biological response of composite materials prepared from reconstituted keratin containing a high content of hydroxyapatite (HA) (40 wt % HA), implanted for up to 18 weeks in the long bones of sheep. Keratin-HA composites were compared with a commercially available polylactic acid (PLA) HA composite (BIO RCI HA?, Smith and Nephew). Porous keratin-HA materials displayed excellent biocompatibility and osseointegration, with full integration into bone by 12 weeks. Dense keratin-HA materials also showed excellent biocompatibility, with a more limited osseointegration, involving the penetration of new bone into the periphery of the implant after eight weeks. In contrast, the PLA-HA implant did not integrate with surrounding tissue. Microindentation showed that porous keratin-HA implants were initially soft, but became stiffer as new bone penetrated the implant from four weeks onwards. In contrast, although the initial rigidity of dense keratin-HA composites was maintained for at least two weeks, the implant material weakened after four weeks. The PLA-HA implant maintained its physical properties throughout the course of the trial. This study demonstrates the increased osseointegration/osteoconduction capacity of keratin-HA composites and provides further evidence supporting the suitability of keratin-based materials, such as bone graft substitutes and soft tissue fixation devices.