First Clinical Experience With Thermal-Sprayed Silver Oxide-Containing Hydroxyapatite Coating Implant

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Infectious Disease Prevention

Background:

• Prosthetic joint infection is a significant complication of implant therapy.
• Silver oxide-containing hydroxyapatite (Ag-HA) was developed for antimicrobial properties.
• Previous research highlighted Ag-HA features for infection prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Ag-HA-coated implants in total hip arthroplasty (THA).
• To assess potential adverse effects of silver in Ag-HA coated implants.
• To investigate the impact of Ag-HA coating on patient outcomes and infection rates.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of THA implants coated with Ag-HA, containing a maximum of 2.9 mg silver per implant.
• Prospective interventional study involving 20 patients undergoing THA with Ag-HA-coated implants.
• Monitoring of blood silver levels, clinical outcomes (Harris Hip Score, activities of daily living), radiographic findings, and adverse reactions.

Main Results:

• Blood silver levels peaked at 2 weeks post-THA, remaining within normal ranges (max 6.0 ng/mL).
• Significant improvements in Harris Hip Scores and activities of daily living were observed in all patients.
• No implant failures, adverse reactions to silver, or postoperative infections were reported.

Conclusions:

• This is the first clinical study demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of Ag-HA-coated implants in THA.
• Ag-HA coated implants improve patient function and quality of life without silver-related adverse effects.
• Ag-HA coatings hold potential for reducing postoperative infections and enhancing outcomes in prosthetic arthroplasty.