title: Biomechanical analysis of a synthetic, biodegradable impaction graft substitute.
abstract: Impaction bone grafting in revision arthroplasty is a common and successful procedure to restore primary bone stock. Reducing the amount of bone needed to fill large grafts has been a driving force for the use of synthetic materials that can act as extenders or substitutes. To this end, we evaluated the mechanical properties of a new class of biodegradable polymer beads with and without donor bone to determine its suitability for use in impaction grafting. Biodegradable methacrylated anhydride beads were synthesized using thermal polymerization techniques. The mechanical properties of the beads were then tested in an impaction grafting test chamber and compared with morsellised porcine allograft. The beads, porcine allograft and a 50/50 combination all had similar mechanical properties, both in compression and relaxation. Pure polymer beads compacted significantly less than pure allograft and retained macroporosity after impaction. Our results suggest that the biodegradable beads have sufficient mechanical properties to be considered as an impaction grafting substitute or extender. Their ability to fill space whilst retaining macroporosity may be advantageous for tissue ingrowth and remodeling.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. c.lutton@qut.edu.au
authors.forename: Cameron
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lutton
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wheatley
authors.forename: Lance
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Wietske
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Van der Velden
authors.forename: Ross
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Crawford
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Goss
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000379:methods*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D019245:Compressive Strength; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013552:Swine; D019737:Transplants
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D011108:Polymers