Strontium-impregnated bioabsorbable composite for osteoporotic fracture fixation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Research
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Osteoporosis significantly compromises bone healing and fracture fixation.
• Current treatments often involve managing osteoporosis alongside fracture repair.
• Developing advanced orthopedic fixators is crucial for improving outcomes in osteoporotic patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and evaluate novel bioactive and bioabsorbable bone fixators for osteoporotic bone.
• To investigate the efficacy of strontium (Sr)-calcium phosphate ceramic (CPC)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) composites for osteofixation.
• To assess the impact of Sr-CPC/PCL screws on osseointegration in an osteoporotic animal model.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Sr-CPC/PCL composite bone screws.
• Implantation of screws into the distal femur of ovariectomized rabbits.
• Evaluation of mechanical properties, biocompatibility, radio-opacity, degradation, and osteointegration using micro-computerized tomography.

Main Results:

• Sr-CPC/PCL composite screws demonstrated suitable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and radio-opacity.
• Strontium addition promoted screw degradation without causing local acidification.
• Favorable osteointegration was observed, with decreased bone porosity and improved trabecular structure in Sr-CPC/PCL treated animals compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Sr-CPC/PCL composite is a promising candidate material for osteofixation in osteoporotic patients.
• Sr-impregnated bone fixators significantly enhance osseointegration in osteoporotic bone.
• This novel material offers a potential solution for improving fracture fixation in individuals with osteoporosis.