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Published on: August 27, 2012
Intracellular measurement of polyethylene particles. A histomorphometric study
M von Knoch1, G Buchhorn, F von Knoch
1Orthopaedic University Hospital Kiel, Germany. mariusvonknoch@yahoo.com
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
|August 21, 2001
Summary
Foreign-body giant cells in hip replacement revision surgery contain larger polyethylene particles and higher polyethylene loading than mononuclear macrophages. This finding is significant for understanding cellular responses to wear debris.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Revision surgery for cementless total hip replacement involves analyzing pseudo-capsules.
- Pseudo-capsules contain wear debris, primarily polyethylene particles, which can elicit cellular responses.
- The reticuloendothelial system, including macrophages and foreign-body giant cells, plays a role in processing these particles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in polyethylene loading and particle size within mononuclear macrophages and foreign-body giant cells.
- To determine if particle characteristics correlate with cell type in the context of total hip replacement wear debris.
Main Methods:
- Histological and histomorphometric analysis of pseudo-capsules from revision hip replacement surgeries.
- Light-optical microscopy (plain and polarized light) was used to examine cellular content.
- Quantification of intracellular polyethylene loading and particle size in macrophages and foreign-body giant cells.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences in polyethylene loading were observed between macrophages, small foreign-body giant cells, and large foreign-body giant cells (P < 0.05).
- Mean intracellular polyethylene particle size was significantly larger in large foreign-body giant cells compared to macrophages (P < 0.05).
- Foreign-body giant cells exhibited a trend towards higher absolute polyethylene loading than mononuclear macrophages.
Conclusions:
- Intracellular polyethylene particle size is greater in foreign-body giant cells compared to mononuclear macrophages.
- Foreign-body giant cells appear to accumulate more polyethylene debris, suggesting a differential cellular response to wear particles.
- These findings contribute to understanding the biological interactions between biomaterial wear debris and the host immune system in orthopedic implants.
