Systemic intermittent parathyroid hormone treatment improves osseointegration of press-fit inserted implants in cancellous bone

Histomorphometric Assessment of Non-Decalcified Plastic-Embedded Specimens for Evaluation of Bone Regeneration Using Bone Substitute Materials-A Systematic Review

With the implementation of bone substitute materials, regeneration strategies have inevitably evolved over the years. Histomorphometry is the optimal means of quantitative evaluation of bone structure and morphology. This systematic review focuses on determining study models, staining methods and histomorphometric parameters used for bone regeneration research on non-decalcified plastic-embedded specimens over the last 10 years. After being subjected to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 118 studies were included in this review. The results establish the most commonly selected animal model is rat, followed by rabbit, sheep and dog. Strong preference for staining samples with toluidine blue was noted. With regard to histomorphometric parameters, terms related to bone were most frequently assessed, amounting to almost half of recorded parameters. New bone formation was the main descriptor of this category. Residual bone graft and non-bone tissue parameters were also often evaluated. With regard to dynamic histomorphometry, mineral apposition rate (MAR) was the parameter of choice for most researchers, with calcein green being the preferred dye for fluorochrome labelling. An overview of the contemporary literature, as well as weaknesses in the current research protocols have been discussed.

Systemic Factors Affecting Prognosis and Outcomes in Periodontal Disease

This review delves into the effects of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infectious ailments like human immunodeficiency virus, and their medications on periodontal therapy outcomes. It also explores the influence of hormones. Understanding these systemic factors is crucial for optimizing periodontal health and treatment efficacy. The review underscores the necessity of considering these variables in periodontal care. Other vital systemic factors are addressed elsewhere in this special edition.

The effect of drugs on implant osseointegration- A narrative review

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review aims to investigate the effects of drugs on implant osseointegration, analyzing their potential positive or negative impact on the direct structural and functional connection between bone and load-carrying implants.

BACKGROUND

The review seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of osseointegration, which refers to the successful integration of an implant with living bone, resulting in no progressive relative movement between them. Exploring the effects of drugs on implant osseointegration is crucial for optimizing outcomes and enhancing patient care in orthopedic implant procedures.

METHODS

Relevant studies on the effects of drugs on implant osseointegration were identified through a literature search. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, were utilized, employing appropriate keywords and MeSH terms related to osseointegration, implants, and drug interventions. The search was limited to English studies.

DISCUSSION

This overview presents a detailed analysis of the effects of drugs on implant osseointegration. It explores drugs such as bisphosphonates, teriparatide, statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, nitrites, and thiazide diuretics as promoters of osseointegration. Conversely, loop diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, cyclosporine A, cisplatin, methotrexate, antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antiepileptics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and anticoagulants are discussed as inhibitors of the process. The role of vitamin D3 remains uncertain. The complex relationship between drugs and the biology of implant osseointegration is emphasized, underscoring the need for further in vitro and in vivo studies to validate their effects CONCLUSION: This narrative review contributes to the literature by providing an overview of the effects of drugs on implant osseointegration. It highlights the complexity of the subject and emphasizes the necessity for more extensive and sophisticated studies in the future. Based on the synthesis of the reviewed literature, certain drugs, such as bisphosphonates and teriparatide, show potential for promoting implant osseointegration, while others, including loop diuretics and certain antibiotics, may impede the process. However, additional research is required to solidify these conclusions and effectively inform clinical practice.

Hormone and implant osseointegration: Elaboration of the relationship among function, preclinical, and clinical practice

As clusters of peptides or steroids capable of high-efficiency information transmission, hormones have been substantiated to coordinate metabolism, growth, development, and other physiological processes, especially in bone physiology and repair metabolism. In recent years, the application of hormones for implant osseointegration has become a research hotspot. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the relevant reports on endogenous hormones and their corresponding supplementary preparations to explore the association between hormones and the prognosis of implants. We also discuss the effects and mechanisms of insulin, parathyroid hormone, melatonin, vitamin D, and growth hormone on osseointegration at the molecular and body levels to provide a foothold and guide future research on the systemic conditions that affect the implantation process and expand the relative contraindications of the implant, and the pre-and post-operative precautions. This review shows that systemic hormones can regulate the osseointegration of oral implants through endogenous or exogenous drug-delivery methods.

Periprosthetic fractures after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION

On rare occasions, fractures of the tibial plateau may occur after uni-compartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and account for 2% of total UKA failures. The purpose of this narrative review is to identify and discuss potential risk factors that might lead to prevention of this invalidating complication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic database of Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar were searched. A total of 457 articles related to the topic were found. Of those, 86 references were included in this narrative review.

RESULTS

UKA implantation acts as a stress riser in the medial compartment. To avoid fractures, surgeons need to balance load and bone stock. Post-operative lower limb alignment, implant positioning, level of resection and sizing of the tibial tray have a strong influence on load distribution of the tibial bone. Pain on weight-bearing signals bone-load imbalance and acts as an indicator of bone remodeling and should be a trigger for unloading. The first three months after surgery are critical because of transient post-operative osteoporosis and local biomechanical changes. Acquired osteoporosis is a growing concern in the arthroplasty population. Split fractures require internal fixation, while subsidence fractures differ in their management depending of the amount of bone impaction. Loose implants require revision knee arthroplasty.

CONCLUSION

Peri-prosthetic fracture is a rare, but troublesome event, which can lead to implant failure and revision surgery. Better knowledge of the multifactorial risk factors in association with a thorough surgical technique is key for prevention.

Histological and histomorphometric aspects of continual intermittent parathyroid hormone administration on osseointegration in osteoporosis rabbit model

In implant treatment, primary stability and osseointegration are improved by continual intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in patients with osteoporosis. However, the histological and histomorphometric aspects are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the histological and histomorphometric effects of intermittent PTH administration on osseointegration in a glucocorticoid-induced osteoporotic rabbit model. Fifteen female New Zealand rabbits were prepared for the osteoporosis model with ovariectomy and glucocorticoid administration. After 1 week, five rabbits were intermittently administered PTH for 8 weeks until the end point (PTHa group) and five for 4 weeks until implant placement (PTHb group). The remaining rabbits were intermittently administered saline for 8 weeks until the end point (Control group). Dental implants were inserted into the femoral epiphyses 11 weeks after ovariectomy. After 4 weeks, the maximum removal torque (RT) of the placed implant and bone implant contact (BIC) ratio were evaluated. In addition micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric analyses were performed. The RT and BIC values were significantly higher in the PTHa group compared with those of the PTHb and Control groups (p< 0.05). Furthermore, the bone mineral densities and Hounsfield units were significantly higher in the PTHa group than those in the PTHb and Control groups. Histologic and histomorphometric measurements revealed that continuous administration of PTH improved bone density and bone formation around the implant placement site, as well as systemic bone formation. Therefore, favorable implant stability was achieved under osteoporosis.

Zoledronic acid and teriparatide have a complementary therapeutic effect on aseptic loosening in a rabbit model

Background

Revisions are mainly caused by wear debris-induced aseptic loosening. How to effectively suppress debris-induced periprosthetic osteolysis has become an urgent problem. Both zoledronic acid and teriparatide can increase the bone mass around prostheses and increase the stability of prostheses. A hypothesis was proposed: the combination of the two drugs may have a better treatment effect than the use of either drug alone.

Methods

We created a rabbit model to study the effect and mechanism of the combination of zoledronic acid and teriparatide in the treatment of aseptic loosening. Thirty-two adult male New Zealand white rabbits were selected and treated with TKA surgery, and a titanium rod prosthesis coated evenly with micrometre-sized titanium debris was implanted into the right femoral medullary cavity. All rabbits were randomized into four groups (control group = 8, zoledronic acid group = 8, teriparatide group = 8, and zoledronic acid + teriparatide group = 8). All the animals were sacrificed in the 12th week, and X-ray analyses, H&E staining, Goldner-Masson trichrome staining, von Kossa staining, and RT-PCR and Western blotting of the mRNA and protein of OCN, OPG, RANKL and TRAP5b in the interface membrane tissues around the prostheses were immediately carried out.

Results

The results shown that both zoledronic acid and teriparatide could inhibit debris-induced peri-prosthetic osteolysis and promote new bone formation. Zoledronic acid was more capable of inhibiting osteoclast activation and peri-prosthetic osteolysis, while teriparatide was more capable of promoting osteoblast function and peri-prosthetic bone integration.

Conclusion

This research confirmed that the combination of zoledronic acid and teriparatide could prevent and treat aseptic loosening of the prosthesis more effectively. However, the safety of this combination and the feasibility of long-term application have not been ensured, and the clinical application requires further experiments and clinical research support.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04458-4.

Present and future scope of recombinant parathyroid hormone therapy in orthopaedics

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) has a significant role in calcium metabolism. Its intermittent administration has an anabolic effect on bone mineralization. Teriparatide (PTH 1-34), a recombinant form of parathyroid hormone, is useful in the treatment of osteoporosis, fracture healing, non-union, stress fracture, augmentation of implant fixation with bone, and chondroprotection in osteoarthritis. The present review article will elaborate on the potential approved uses of recombinant PTH in orthopedics and its evolving role in the management of fracture osteosynthesis and other common challenging bone pathologies.

Osseointegration Pharmacology: A Systematic Mapping Using Artificial Intelligence

Clinical performance of osseointegrated implants could be compromised by the medications taken by patients. The effect of a specific medication on osseointegration can be easily investigated using traditional systematic reviews. However, assessment of all known medications requires the use of evidence mapping methods. These methods allow assessment of complex questions, but they are very resource intensive when done manually. The objective of this study was to develop a machine learning algorithm to automatically map the literature assessing the effect of medications on osseointegration. Datasets of articles classified manually were used to train a machine-learning algorithm based on Support Vector Machines. The algorithm was then validated and used to screen 599,604 articles identified with an extremely sensitive search strategy. The algorithm included 281 relevant articles that described the effect of 31 different drugs on osseointegration. This approach achieved an accuracy of 95%, and compared to manual screening, it reduced the workload by 93%. The systematic mapping revealed that the treatment outcomes of osseointegrated medical devices could be influenced by drugs affecting homeostasis, inflammation, cell proliferation and bone remodeling. The effect of all known medications on the performance of osseointegrated medical devices can be assessed using evidence mappings executed with highly accurate machine learning algorithms.

Enhancement of local bone formation on titanium implants in osteoporotic rats by biomimetic multilayered structures containing parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related protein

Osteoporosis is a severe health problem causing bone fragility and consequent fracture. Titanium (Ti) implants, used in patients with osteoporotic fractures, are prone to failure because of the decreased bone mass and strength. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to fabricate implants possessing osteogenic properties to improve implant osseointegration. To improve the long-term survival rate of Ti implants in osteoporotic patients, hyaluronic acid/ϵ-polylysine multilayers containing the parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related protein (PTHrP) were deposited on Ti implants by a layer-by-layer (LBL) electro assembly technique. The murine pre-osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1, possessing a high potential of osteoblast differentiation, was used to evaluate the osteo-inductive effects of Ti-LBL-PTHrP in vitro. In addition, the performance of the Ti (Ti-LBL-PTHrP) implant was evaluated in vivo in a femoral intramedullary implantation in Sprague Dawley rats. The Ti-LBL-PTHrP implant regulated the release of the loaded PTHrP to increase bone formation in the early stage of implantation. The in vitro results revealed that cells on Ti-LBL-PTHrP did not show any evident proliferation, but a high level of alkaline phosphatase activity and osteoblast-related protein expression was found, compared to the uncoated Ti group (p < 0.05). In addition, in vivo micro-CT and histological analysis demonstrated that the Ti-LBL-PTHrP implants could significantly promote the formation and remodeling of new bone in osteoporotic rats at 14 d after implantation. Overall, this study established a profound and straightforward methodology for the manufacture of biofunctional Ti implants for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Sustained Release of Melatonin from GelMA Liposomes Reduced Osteoblast Apoptosis and Improved Implant Osseointegration in Osteoporosis

A reduction in bone mass around an implant is the main cause of implant loosening, especially in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients. In osteoporosis, excessive oxidative stress, resulting in osteoblast apoptosis, largely contributes to abnormal bone remodeling. Melatonin (MT) synthesized by the pineal gland promotes osteoblast differentiation and bone formation and has been effectively used to combat oxidative stress. Therefore, we hypothesized that MT attenuates osteoblast apoptosis induced by oxidative stress, promotes osteogenesis in osteoporosis, and improves bone mass around prostheses. Moreover, considering the distribution and metabolism of MT, its systemic administration would require a large amount of MT, increasing the probability of drug side effects, so the local administration of MT is more effective than its systemic administration. In this study, we constructed a composite adhesive hydrogel system (GelMA-DOPA@MT) to bring about sustained MT release in a local area. Additionally, MT-reduced apoptosis caused by hydrogen peroxide- (H₂O₂-) induced oxidative stress and restored the osteogenic potential of MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, apoptosis in osteoblasts around the implant was significantly attenuated, and increased bone mass around the implant was observed in ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with this composite system. In conclusion, our results show that GelMA-DOPA@MT can inhibit osteoblast apoptosis caused by oxidative stress, thereby promoting osteogenesis and improving bone quality around a prosthesis. Therefore, this system of local, sustained MT release is a suitable candidate to address implant loosening in patients with osteoporosis.

Intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone improves bone quality and quantity around implants in rat tibiae

OBJECTIVES

Intermittent injection of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is used to treat osteoporosis. The concept of bone quality was updated 20 years ago; however, these updates have not been adopted in implant dentistry. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intermittent administration of PTH on bone quality around implants in rat tibiae.

METHODS

Grade IV-titanium-threaded implants that were 3.5 mm long and 2.0 mm wide were placed in a randomly selected side of the proximal tibiae of 12-week-old female Wistar rats. Three weeks after implant placement, the rats were randomly divided into PTH-administration and saline-injection groups (PTH and VC, respectively; n = 7 per group). Micro-computed tomographical, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate bone quality and quantity surrounding the implants.

RESULTS

PTH significantly increased bone volume and bone mineral density in bones not associated with the implants as compared to these values in the VC group. PTH significantly increased bone area and the amount of collagen within the total inside areas of all implant threads compared to that observed in VC. Moreover, PTH significantly increased the number of osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts in the total inside and/or outside areas of all implant threads and altered the ratio of type I and III collagen to total collagen fibers.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this study, intermittent administration of PTH improved both bone quantity and bone quality based on the types and numbers of bone cells and the types of collagen fibers surrounding implants placed into rat tibiae.

Changes in periprosthetic bone mineral density and bone turnover markers after osseointegrated implant surgery: A cohort study of 20 transfemoral amputees with 30-month follow-up

BACKGROUND

The osseointegrated implant system is a treatment option for people with transfemoral amputation, but implant removal is not uncommon. The association between bone mineral density changes or bone turnover markers and the need for implant removal has not previously been investigated.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to evaluate changes in bone mineral density and bone turnover markers in people with transfemoral amputations treated with osseointegrated implants.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Nineteen patients were followed up for 30 months or until implant removal. Bone mineral density was measured in the lumbar spine, proximal femur and seven periprosthetic regions. 25-hydroxyvitamin (D2 + D3), parathyroid hormone, N-terminal propeptide of type-I procollagen, C-telopeptide of type-I collagen, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were measured in blood samples.

RESULTS

Four fixtures and three abutments were removed. Patients with removed implants had a decreased bone mineral density in the seven periprosthetic regions between 27% (95% confidence interval = 6; 43) and 38% (95% confidence interval = 19; 52) at 30-month follow-up compared to baseline (p < 0.02), whereas bone mineral density around non-removed implants normalized to baseline values (p > 0.08). C-telopeptide of type-I collagen was significantly different between the groups at 18- and 24-month follow-up (p < 0.05). None of the measured variables were significant predictors of implant removal (p > 0.07).

CONCLUSION

Implant removal was associated with loss of periprosthetic bone mineral density and increase in C-telopeptide of type-I collagen in the years following osseointegrated surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study offers new insight into changes in bone mineral density and bone turnover markers that precipitate aseptic or septic osseointegrated implant removal. Results of this study could contribute to clinical guidelines for monitoring rehabilitation progress and implant removal through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or surrogate markers like C-telopeptide of type-I collagen.

Parathyroid hormone for bone regeneration

Delayed healing and/or non-union occur in approximately 5-10% of the fractures that occur annually in the United States. Segmental bone loss increases the probability of non-union. Though grafting can be an effective treatment for segmental bone loss, autografting is limited for large defects since a limited amount of bone is available for harvest. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a key regulator of calcium homeostasis in the body and plays an important role in bone metabolism. Presently PTH is FDA approved for use as an anabolic treatment for osteoporosis. The anabolic effect PTH has on bone has led to research on its use for bone regeneration applications. Numerous studies in animal models have indicated enhanced fracture healing as a result of once daily injections of PTH. Similarly, in a human case study, non-union persisted despite treatment attempts with internal fixation, external fixation, and autograft in combination with BMP-7, until off label use of PTH1-84 was utilized. Use of a biomaterial scaffold to locally deliver PTH to a defect site has also been shown to improve bone formation and healing around dental implants in dogs and drill defects in sheep. Thus, PTH may be used to promote bone regeneration and provide an alternative to autograft and BMP for the treatment of large segmental defects and non-unions. This review briefly summarizes the unmet clinical need for improved bone regeneration techniques and how PTH may help fill that void by both systemically and locally delivered PTH for bone regeneration applications. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2586-2594, 2018.

High dose teriparatide (rPTH1-34) therapy increases callus volume and enhances radiographic healing at 8-weeks in a massive canine femoral allograft model

Small animal studies have demonstrated significant high-dose recombinant parathyroid hormone1-34 (rPTH1-34) effects on intercalary allograft healing. Towards a human adjuvant therapy to decrease non-unions, we evaluated rPTH1-34 safety and efficacy in a clinically relevant canine femoral allograft model. Adult female mongrel hounds (n = 20) received a 5cm mid-diaphyseal osteotomy reconstructed with a plated allograft, and were randomized to: 1) Placebo (n = 5; daily saline), 2) Continuous rPTH1-34 (n = 7; 5 μg/kg/day s.c. from day 1-55 post-op), or 3) Delayed rPTH1-34 (n = 8; 5 μg/kg/day s.c. from day 14-28 post-op). Safety was assessed by physical behavior and blood calcium monitoring. Cone beam CT (CB-CT) was performed on days 14, 28 and 56 post-op to assess 2D cortical healing, 3D bone volume, and Union Ratio. Biomechanical testing and dynamic histomorphometry were also performed. The high drug dose was poorly tolerated, as most dogs receiving rPTH1-34 had to be given intravenous saline, and one dog died from hypercalcemia. Continuous rPTH1-34 significantly increased 2D healing and callus volumes at 4-weeks versus Placebo, and sustained the significant increase in cortical union at 8-week (p<0.05). These rPTH1-34 effects were confirmed by histomorphometry, revealing significant increases in mineral apposition rates (MAR) on host bone and graft-host junctions (p<0.05). Delayed rPTH1-34 significantly increased callus volume and MAR at 8 weeks (p<0.05). Although no biomechanical differences were observed, as expected for early healing, the results demonstrated that 2D RUST scoring significantly correlated with torsional biomechanics (p<0.01). In conclusion, 8-weeks of intermittent high-dose rPTH1-34 treatment significantly increases callus formation and accelerates bony union of intercalary massive allografts in a clinically relevant canine model, but with serious side-effects from hypercalcemia.

Experimental and Numerical Models of Complex Clinical Scenarios; Strategies to Improve Relevance and Reproducibility of Joint Replacement Research

This research review aims to focus attention on the effect of specific surgical and host factors on implant fixation, and the importance of accounting for them in experimental and numerical models. These factors affect (a) eventual clinical applicability and (b) reproducibility of findings across research groups. Proper function and longevity for orthopedic joint replacement implants relies on secure fixation to the surrounding bone. Technology and surgical technique has improved over the last 50 years, and robust ingrowth and decades of implant survival is now routinely achieved for healthy patients and first-time (primary) implantation. Second-time (revision) implantation presents with bone loss with interfacial bone gaps in areas vital for secure mechanical fixation. Patients with medical comorbidities such as infection, smoking, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and diabetes have a diminished healing response, poorer implant fixation, and greater revision risk. It is these more difficult clinical scenarios that require research to evaluate more advanced treatment approaches. Such treatments can include osteogenic or antimicrobial implant coatings, allo- or autogenous cellular or tissue-based approaches, local and systemic drug delivery, surgical approaches. Regarding implant-related approaches, most experimental and numerical models do not generally impose conditions that represent mechanical instability at the implant interface, or recalcitrant healing. Many treatments will work well in forgiving settings, but fail in complex human settings with disease, bone loss, or previous surgery. Ethical considerations mandate that we justify and limit the number of animals tested, which restricts experimental permutations of treatments. Numerical models provide flexibility to evaluate multiple parameters and combinations, but generally need to employ simplifying assumptions. The objectives of this paper are to (a) to highlight the importance of mechanical, material, and surgical features to influence implant-bone healing, using a selection of results from two decades of coordinated experimental and numerical work and (b) discuss limitations of such models and the implications for research reproducibility. Focusing model conditions toward the clinical scenario to be studied, and limiting conclusions to the conditions of a particular model can increase clinical relevance and research reproducibility.

PTH Induces Systemically Administered Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Migrate to and Regenerate Spine Injuries

Osteoporosis affects more than 200 million people worldwide leading to more than 2 million fractures in the United States alone. Unfortunately, surgical treatment is limited in patients with low bone mass. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) was shown to induce fracture repair in animals by activating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, it would be less effective in patients with fewer and/or dysfunctional MSCs due to aging and comorbidities. To address this, we evaluated the efficacy of combination i.v. MSC and PTH therapy versus monotherapy and untreated controls, in a rat model of osteoporotic vertebral bone defects. The results demonstrated that combination therapy significantly increased new bone formation versus monotherapies and no treatment by 2 weeks (P < 0.05). Mechanistically, we found that PTH significantly enhanced MSC migration to the lumbar region, where the MSCs differentiated into bone-forming cells. Finally, we used allogeneic porcine MSCs and observed similar findings in a clinically relevant minipig model of vertebral defects. Collectively, these results demonstrate that in addition to its anabolic effects, PTH functions as an adjuvant to i.v. MSC therapy by enhancing migration to heal bone loss. This systemic approach could be attractive for various fragility fractures, especially using allogeneic cells that do not require invasive tissue harvest.

Intermittent Administration of Parathyroid Hormone [1-34] Prevents Particle-Induced Periprosthetic Osteolysis in a Rat Model

We examined whether intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone [1-34] (PTH[1-34]; 60 μg/kg/day) can prevent the negative effects of titanium (Ti) particles on implant fixation and periprosthetic osteolysis in a rat model. Eighteen adult male rats (12 weeks old, bones still growing) received intramedullary Ti implants in their bilateral femurs; 6 rats from the blank group received vehicle injections, and 12 rats from the control group and PTH treatment group received Ti particle injections at the time of operation and intra-articular injections 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. Six of the rats that received Ti particles from the PTH group also received PTH[1-34] treatment. Six weeks postoperatively, all specimens were collected for assessment by X-ray, micro-CT, biomechanical, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic histomorphometry. A lower BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N, maximal fixation strength, and mineral apposition rate were observed in the control group compared to the blank group, demonstrating that a periprosthetic osteolysis model had been successfully established. Administration of PTH[1-34] significantly increased the bone mineral density of the distal femur, BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp, Con.D, SMI, and maximal fixation strength in the PTH group compared to that in the control group. SEM revealed higher bone-implant contact, thicker lamellar bone, and larger trabecular bone area in the PTH group than in the control group. A higher mineral apposition rate was observed in the PTH group compared to both the blank and control groups. These findings imply that intermittent administration of PTH[1-34] prevents periprosthetic osteolysis by promoting bone formation. The effects of PTH[1-34] were evaluated at a suprapharmacological dosage to the human equivalent in rats; therefore, additional studies are required to demonstrate its therapeutic potential in periprosthetic osteolysis.

Intermittent Parathyroid Hormone Enhances Cancellous Osseointegration of a Novel Murine Tibial Implant

BACKGROUND

Long-term fixation of uncemented joint implants requires early mechanical stability and implant osseointegration. To date, osseointegration has been unreliable and remains a major challenge in cementless total knee arthroplasty. We developed a murine model in which an intra-articular proximal tibial titanium implant with a roughened stem can be loaded through the knee joint. Using this model, we tested the hypothesis that intermittent injection of parathyroid hormone (iPTH) would increase proximal tibial cancellous osseointegration.

METHODS

Ten-week-old female C57BL/6 mice received a subcutaneous injection of PTH (40 μg/kg/day) or a vehicle (n = 45 per treatment group) five days per week for six weeks, at which time the baseline group was killed (n = 6 per treatment group) and an implant was inserted into the proximal part of the tibiae of the remaining mice. Injections were continued until the animals were killed at one week (n = 7 per treatment group), two weeks (n = 14 per treatment group), or four weeks (n = 17 per treatment group) after implantation. Outcomes included peri-implant bone morphology as analyzed with micro-computed tomography (microCT), osseointegration percentage and bone area fraction as shown with backscattered electron microscopy, cellular composition as demonstrated by immunohistochemical analysis, and pullout strength as measured with mechanical testing.

RESULTS

Preimplantation iPTH increased the epiphyseal bone volume fraction by 31.6%. When the data at post-implantation weeks 1, 2, and 4 were averaged for the iPTH-treated mice, the bone volume fraction was 74.5% higher in the peri-implant region and 168% higher distal to the implant compared with the bone volume fractions in the same regions in the vehicle-treated mice. Additionally, the trabecular number was 84.8% greater in the peri-implant region and 74.3% greater distal to the implant. Metaphyseal osseointegration and bone area fraction were 28.1% and 70.1% higher, respectively, in the iPTH-treated mice than in the vehicle-treated mice, and the maximum implant pullout strength was 30.9% greater. iPTH also increased osteoblast and osteoclast density by 65.2% and 47.0%, respectively, relative to the values in the vehicle group, when the data at post-implantation weeks 1 and 2 were averaged.

CONCLUSIONS

iPTH increased osseointegration, cancellous mass, and the strength of the bone-implant interface.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Our murine model is an excellent platform on which to study biological enhancement of cancellous osseointegration.

Low dose PTH improves metaphyseal bone healing more when muscles are paralyzed

Stimulation of bone formation by PTH is related to mechanosensitivity. The response to PTH treatment in intact bone could therefore be blunted by unloading. We studied the effects of mechanical loading on the response to PTH treatment in bone healing. Most fractures occur in the metaphyses, therefor we used a model for metaphyseal bone injury. One hind leg of 20 male SD rats was unloaded via intramuscular botulinum toxin injections. Two weeks later, the proximal unloaded tibia had lost 78% of its trabecular contents. At this time-point, the rats received bilateral proximal tibiae screw implants. Ten of the 20 rats were given daily injections of 5 μg/kg PTH (1-34). After two weeks of healing, screw fixation was measured by pull-out, and microCT of the distal femur cancellous compartment was performed. Pull-out force provided an estimate for cancellous bone formation after trauma. PTH more than doubled the pull-out force in the unloaded limbs (from 14 to 30 N), but increased it by less than half in the loaded ones (from 30 to 44 N). In relative terms, PTH had a stronger effect on pull-out force in unloaded bone than in loaded bone (p=0.03). The results suggest that PTH treatment for stimulation of bone healing does not require simultaneous mechanical stimulation.