Polyester textile bioadhesion to muscle and bone

Evaluation of an experimental periodontal ligament for dental implants

To improve the devices used in dental implantology, a new experimental supporting element has been developed. The device, made of titanium, poly(methylmethacrylate) and Dacron tissue, has been tested for the osteointegrability of its outer Dacron coat by implants in mandibular bone of rabbits. The Dacron filamentous tissue became incorporated by the bone at 3 month post-implantation. This might provide a reliable mechanical anchorage of the device and a barrier against epithelial proliferation and microbial contamination. Preliminary results relating to in vitro evaluation of the poly(methyl methacrylate)-Dacron fixation strength predict favourable mechanical behaviour at this interface and in the complete implanted device.

A single unit digital flexor tendon prosthesis

Historically, the surgical repair of serious injuries to the flexor tendons of the hand have met with less than satisfactory clinical results. In an attempt to solve this problem, studies have been made on the design and testing of a Dacron polyester tendon prosthesis for complete replacement of the digital flexor tendon. The prosthesis attaches proximally at the anatomical musculotendon junction via collagen ingrowth into a fabric structure and in similar manner distally via bone ingrowth at the anatomical insertion site. These fabrics are continuous with the tendon body of the prosthesis consisting of an inextensible braided cord which is silicone rubber coated to prevent tissue adherence in the glide zone of the tendon bed. An added benefit of the prosthesis is a simple means of length adjustment which can easily be carried out on the operating table. Studies have been performed in both dogs and chickens which indicate that sufficient tissue ingrowth occurs at both the distal and proximal anastomoses for retention of full load bearing capability in these animals and that postoperative adhesions are negligible, if present at all. Full prostheses have been implanted in dogs for periods of over 1 year and chickens for 2 months. The chicken is the preferred animal model as a tendency for extensive scar tissue generation was shown in the dog. Both in vivo mechanical testing and histological characterization have been made on sacrificed animals which have received the full prostheses.