Alteration of retrieved implants in vitro by processing and infiltrating fluids

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Histology
• Prosthetics Research

Background:

• Undecalcified histology is crucial for analyzing the prosthesis-bone interface.
• Histological preparation requires dehydrating, clearing, and plastic infiltrating fluids.
• Potential for processing fluids to induce artifacts in biomaterials exists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if common histological processing fluids alter biomaterials.
• To determine if such alterations could be misinterpreted as in vivo changes.
• To identify processing fluids that do not affect biomaterial integrity.

Main Methods:

• Eleven common prosthetic biomaterials were exposed to ten different histological fluids.
• Non-metal biomaterials were incubated in fluids at room temperature for 5 days.
• Biomaterials and fluid-centrifuged pellets were examined daily and post-incubation using polarized light microscopy.

Main Results:

• Polysulfone and bone cement showed significant alterations in vitro with most tested fluids.
• Plasticizer and catalyst components in some fluids induced changes in biomaterials.
• Spurr's and GMA fluids did not cause any observable alterations in any tested biomaterials.

Conclusions:

• Certain histological processing fluids can induce artifacts in biomaterials like polysulfone and bone cement.
• Careful selection of processing fluids is necessary to avoid misinterpreting in vitro alterations as in vivo changes.
• Spurr's and GMA are recommended as safe processing fluids for these biomaterials in histological analysis.