The RAPIDOS project-European and Chinese collaborative research on biomaterials

Bone Density Micro-CT Assessment during Embedding of the Innovative Multi-Spiked Connecting Scaffold in Periarticular Bone to Elaborate a Validated Numerical Model for Designing Biomimetic Fixation of Resurfacing Endoprostheses

Our team has been working for some time on designing a new kind of biomimetic fixation of resurfacing endoprostheses, in which the innovative multi-spiked connecting scaffold (MSC-Scaffold) that mimics the natural interface between articular cartilage and periarticular trabecular bone in human joints is the crucial element. This work aimed to develop a numerical model enabling the design of the considered joint replacement implant that would reflect the mechanics of interacting biomaterials. Thus, quantitative micro-CT analysis of density distribution in bone material during the embedding of MSC-Scaffold in periarticular bone was applied. The performed numerical studies and corresponding mechanical tests revealed, under the embedded MSC-Scaffold, the bone material densification affecting its mechanical properties. On the basis of these findings, the built numerical model was modified by applying a simulated insert of densified bone material. This modification led to a strong correlation between the re-simulation and experimental results (FVU = 0.02). The biomimetism of the MSC-Scaffold prototype that provided physiological load transfer from implant to bone was confirmed based on the Huber–von Mises–Hencky (HMH) stress maps obtained with the validated finite element (FE) model of the problem. The micro-CT bone density assessment performed during the embedding of the MSC-Scaffold prototype in periarticular bone provides insight into the mechanical behaviour of the investigated implant-bone system and validates the numerical model that can be used for the design of material and geometric features of a new kind of resurfacing endoprostheses fixation.

Hybrid fracture fixation systems developed for orthopaedic applications: A general review

Orthopaedic implants are applied daily in our orthopaedic clinics for treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, especially for bone fracture fixation. To realise the multiple functions of orthopaedic implants, hybrid system that contains several different materials or parts have also been designed for application, such as prosthesis for total hip arthroplasty. Fixation of osteoporotic fracture is challenging as the current metal implants made of stainless steel or titanium that are rather rigid and bioinert, which are not favourable for enhancing fracture healing and subsequent remodelling. Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys are reported to possess good biocompatibility, biodegradability and osteopromotive effects during its in vivo degradation and now tested as a new generation of degradable metallic biomaterials. Several recent clinical studies reported the Mg-based screws for bone fixation, although the history of testing Mg as fixation implant was documented more than 100 years ago. Truthfully, Mg has its limitations as fixation implant, especially when applied at load-bearing sites because of rather rapid degradation. Currently developed Mg-based implants have only been designed for application at less or non-loading-bearing skeletal site(s). Therefore, after years research and development, the authors propose an innovative hybrid fixation system with parts composed of Mg and titanium or stainless steel to maximise the biological benefits of Mg; titanium or stainless steel in this hybrid system can provide enough mechanical support for fractures at load-bearing site(s) while Mg promotes the fracture healing through novel mechanisms during its degradation, especially in patients with osteoporosis and other metabolic disorders that are unfavourable conditions for fracture healing. This hybrid fixation strategy is designed to effectively enhance the osteoporotic fracture healing and may potentially also reduce the refracture rate. The translational potential of this article: This article systemically reviewed the combination utility of different metallic implants in orthopaedic applications. It will do great contribution to the further development of internal orthopaedic implants for fracture fixation. Meanwhile, it also introduced a titanium-magnesium hybrid fixation system as an alternative fixation strategy, especially for osteoporotic patients.