A new piezoelectric actuator induces bone formation in vivo: a preliminary study.
This in vivo study presents the preliminary results of the use of a novel piezoelectric actuator for orthopedic application. The innovative use of the converse piezoelectric effect to mechanically stimulate bone was achieved with polyvinylidene fluoride actuators implanted in osteotomy cuts in sheep femur and tibia. The biological response around the osteotomies was assessed through histology and histomorphometry in nondecalcified sections and histochemistry and immunohistochemistry in decalcified sections, namely, through Masson's trichrome, and labeling of osteopontin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. After one-month implantation, total bone area and new bone area were significantly higher around actuators when compared to static controls. Bone deposition rate was also significantly higher in the mechanically stimulated areas. In these areas, osteopontin increased expression was observed. The present in vivo study suggests that piezoelectric materials and the converse piezoelectric effect may be used to effectively stimulate bone growth.
Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Évora, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal.
Joana
J
Reis
Clara
C
Frias
Carlos
C
Canto e Castro
Maria Luísa
ML
Botelho
António Torres
AT
Marques
José António Oliveira
JA
Simões
Fernando
F
Capela e Silva
José
J
Potes
D000818:Animals; D001846:Bone Development / Q000528:radiation effects; D005269:Femur / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000601:surgery; D019220:High-Energy Shock Waves; D008297:Male; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011145:Polyvinyls; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012756:Sheep; D013977:Tibia / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000601:surgery; D005465:Fluorocarbon Polymers
D011145:Polyvinyls; C024865:polyvinylidene fluoride; D005465:Fluorocarbon Polymers