title: An Ultrasound Assisted Anchoring Technique (BoneWelding Technology) for Fixation of Implants to Bone - A Histological Pilot Study in Sheep.
abstract: The BoneWelding((R)) Technology offers new opportunities to anchor implants within bone. The technology melted the surface of biodegradable polymer pins by means of ultrasound energy to mould material into the structures of the predrilled bone. Temperature changes were measured at the sites of implantation in an in vitro experiment. In the in vivo part of the study two types of implants were implanted in the limb of sheep to investigate the biocompatibility of the method. One implant type was made of PL-DL-lactide (PLA), the second one was a titanium core partially covered with PLA. Healing period was 2 and 6 months, with 3 sheep per group. Bone samples were evaluated radiologically, histologically and histomorphometrically for bone remodeling and inflammatory reactions. Results demonstrated mild and short temperature increase during insertion. New bone formed at the implant without evidence of inflammatory reaction. The amount of adjacent bone was increased compared to normal cancellous bone. It was concluded that the BoneWelding((R)) Technology proved to be a biocompatible technology to anchor biodegradable as well as titanium-PLA implants in bone.
authors: Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Equine Hospital, Vetsuisse Faculty ZH, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 260, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors: Jens D
authors: JD
authors: Langhoff
authors: Jan M
authors: JM
authors: Kuemmerle
authors: Joerg
authors: J
authors: Mayer
authors: Urs
authors: U
authors: Weber
authors: Milica
authors: M
authors: Berra
authors: Jessika M
authors: JM
authors: Mueller
authors: Sabine B
authors: SB
authors: Kaestner
authors: Katalin
authors: K
authors: Zlinszky
authors: Joerg A
authors: JA
authors: Auer
authors: Brigitte
authors: B
authors: von Rechenberg