Spinal fixation device: a 6-year postimplantation study.
Long-term tissue response to a metal device is described here. The components of a spinal fixation device were removed 6 years after implantation, following the need for revision surgery after a fall. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed changes in surface topography of the metal. Examination of the adjacent tissue showed a chronic inflammatory response with occasional metal debris. Immunohistochemistry identified the predominant macrophages and abundant neovascularization. The presence of macrophages in tissues adjacent to the implants, in an otherwise asymptomatic person, is noteworthy.
Mohanty
Mira
M
Division of Implant Biology, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695012, India. mira@sctimst.ker.nic.in
Baby
Sulekha
S
Menon
K V
KV
D001860:Bone Plates / Q000009:adverse effects; D001864:Bone Wires / Q000009:adverse effects; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome