Biocompatibility and functionality of the degradable polymer alkylene bis(dilactoyl)-methacrylate for screw augmentation in vivo.

Recently, a new degradable polymer has been developed on the basis of alkylene bis(dilactoyl)-methacrylate as an alternative material for screw augmentation. The polymer has been investigated in vitro and in a short-term experiment in rabbits exhibiting promising results. The aim of the present study was to investigate its long-term biocompatibility and mechanical functionality in a large animal model.

Biocompatibility and osseointegration of beta-TCP: histomorphological and biomechanical studies in a weight-bearing sheep model.

The aim of the study was to investigate the biocompatibility, degradation, and biomechanical properties of beta-TCP (Cerasorb) in a weight-bearing sheep model. beta-TCP implant prototypes were implanted in the tibial head of adult merino sheep. After 6 and 12 months material explants were harvested for biomechanical, histological, and histomorphometrical analysis.

A scanning electron microscopy study of human osteoblast morphology on five orthopedic metals.

Despite the long-standing use of metals as orthopedic implants there still are unsolved problems with these materials and open questions about their behavior in a biological environment. Cell-culture studies provide a useful tool for investigations. In addition to the determination of biochemical or molecular biological parameters, the morphology of adhering cells reflects their interaction with the substrata.