Pre-clinical characterization of a novel flexible surface stem design for total knee replacements.

Primary stability is crucial for implant osseointegration and the long-term stability of cementless total joint replacements. Biomechanical studies have shown the potential of femoral stems for total knee replacements to reduce micromotions at the bone-implant interface. However, approaches such as focusing on the structural elasticity of the femoral stems are rarely described.

Silver Coatings in Reconstructive Orthopaedics: Basic Science and Clinical Rationale.

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most devastating complications that can occur following total hip and total knee arthroplasty. Despite the remarkable advances that have been made in surgical techniques and implant technology, the incidence of PJI has remained largely unchanged over the past two decades. One approach that has been described in the literature to minimize the risk of PJI has been the use of silver-coated prostheses.

Evaluation of topographical and chemical modified TiAl6V4 implant surfaces in a weight-bearing intramedullary femur model in rabbit.

For cementless total joint replacement implants, the biological response to physicochemical surface characteristics is crucial for their success that depends on fixation by newly formed bone. In this study, the surface of TiAl6V4 (Tilastan®) implants was modified by (a) corundum blasting, (b) corundum blasting followed by electrochemical calcium phosphate (CaP) deposition, and (c) titanium plasma spraying followed by electrochemical CaP deposition. All modifications resulted in a surface roughness suitable to enhance primary implant stabilization and to favor osteoblast adhesion and function; the thin, biomimetic CaP coating is characterized by fast resorbability and served as chemical cue to stimulate osteogenesis.

Clinical experience with the new artificial cervical PCM (Cervitech) disc.

The results of a pilot study performed between December 2002 and October 2003 in which 82 cervical disc arthroplasties were implanted in 53 patients are reviewed in detail. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scale, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Treatment Intensity Gradient Test (TIGT) scales were evaluated as were static and dynamic radiographs. Significant improvents in all scales were seen postoperatively.

Choosing a cervical disc replacement.

Background Content: Three important basic scientific studies are presented that measured the volumetric density of longitudinal bony columns within the cervical vertebra. The most solid bone is lateral, adjacent to the uncovertebral joints in a radial pattern.

Purpose: To characterize the best footprint, profile and biomaterials to construct a cervical disc replacement.

Biomaterial optimization in total disc arthroplasty.

Study: Knowledge gained through the clinical history of total joint replacement materials combined with the current promise of new biomaterials provides improved guidelines for biomaterial selection in total disc arthroplasty.

Objectives: The following will detail: 1) current biomaterials technology; 2) how current designs of total disc arthroplasty seek to optimize implant performance through judicious biomaterial selection; and 3) what technical obstacles and clinical concerns remain.

Methods: Metals and polymers remain the central material components of state-of-the-art total joint arthroplasties.

History, design and biomechanics of the LINK SB Charité artificial disc.

The SB Charité I artificial disc was developed in 1982 by Schellnack and Büttner-Janz and modified as the Mark II version in 1984. Both types were manufactured in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). Today's design, the SB Charité III, was first produced by LINK in 1987.