Bioactivity of bioresorbable osteosynthetic devices made of hydroxyapatite/poly-DL-lactide composites: an experimental study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the bioactivity of the self-designed biodegradable osteosynthetic devices made of resorbable hydroxyapatite microparticles/poly-DL-lactide (HA/PDLLA) composites.


METHODS
Forty-three rabbits with a transverse transcondylar osteotomy of the distal femur were fixed intramedullary by a HA/PDLLA rod, the duration of follow-up were 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 weeks. Histological, scanning electron microscopic (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and biomechanical analyses were done.


RESULTS
Active new bone formation and direct bone-bonding were seen at the bone-implant interface. Generous apatite crystals deposited and grew on the surface of the composites at 3 approximately 6 weeks postoperation. The interfacial shear strength increased significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
Through the incorporating of resorbable HA microparticles, specific bone-bonding and active osteogenic capacity is introduced. This kind of bioactivity, together with other properties such as sufficient mechanical strength, enhanced biocompatibility and radiopacity, which are intrinsically unobtainable in totally resorbable polymer/polymer systems, make the HA/PDLLA composites become a desirable material for the internal fixation of cancellous bone.
Zheng
Q
Q
Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022.
Guo
X
X
Du
J
J
Liu
Y
Y
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017886:Durapatite / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D016348:Osseointegration; D011091:Polyesters / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011817:Rabbits
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide); D017886:Durapatite