title: An original method for the evaluation of in vivo controlled release of the ceramic materials.
abstract: In recent years, the use of ceramic materials in orthopaedics and dentistry is becoming increasingly popular. However, it is important to know their biological and mechanical properties to optimize their use. The aim of this study is to describe a specific method to assess in vivo the effects of chronic release of ceramic materials implanted, in relation also to the type of material, pellets or powders. This was achieved by implanting ceramic powders and pellets, formed by low cohesion grains, in the patellar tendon of 48 New Zealand adult rabbits (24 with powders and 24 with pellets). The motion of the joint allowed easily and progressively the release of grains, detached from surface of the pellets and released to the joint space. Animals were sacrificed at different intervals (1, 3, 6, 12 months). Retrieved knee joints underwent X-Ray, histological and ultrastructural analysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics Catholic University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Graci
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Spinelli
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Del Bravo
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Muratori
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Piconi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Perisano
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maccauro
mesh_terms: D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002516:Ceramics; D005260:Female; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000502:physiology; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D007596:Joints / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D011817:Rabbits; D015040:Zirconium
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015040:Zirconium; D000537:Aluminum Oxide; C028541:zirconium oxide