Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
07:29
Author Spotlight: Advanced Techniques for Characterizing Tissue Mineralization in Bone Regeneration Research
Published on: September 27, 2024
1.3K
Trabecular resorption patterns of cement-bone interlock regions in total knee replacements
Jacklyn R Goodheart1, Mark A Miller1, Megan E Oest1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, 3216 IHP, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, New York, 13210.
Summary
In total knee replacements, bone loss at the cement interface increases over time, weakening fixation. Resorption begins at the cement border and progresses inward, potentially due to nearby bone cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Aseptic loosening is a major cause of joint replacement failure.
- Loss of mechanical interlock between bone and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cement compromises cement-bone interfaces in total knee replacements (TKRs).
- The mechanisms driving this bone resorption and interlock loss remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pattern and progression of trabecular bone resorption at the cement-bone interface in retrieved TKRs.
- To correlate bone resorption with the duration of in vivo service.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 20 postmortem retrieved TKRs with 3-22 years in service.
- Microcomputed tomography (MicroCT) scanning of the tibial tray cement-bone interface.
- Image processing to quantify interface morphology, including interdigitated and resorbed bone volume.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in interdigitated bone volume was observed with increased time in service (p=0.0114).
- The distance to 50% of the interdigitated bone volume decreased over time (p=0.039), indicating resorption progresses inward.
- Resorption initiated at the cement border and extended into the cement layer, with isolated bone found deeper within the cement.
Conclusions:
- Trabecular bone resorption at the cement-bone interface progresses with implant service time.
- Resorption appears to initiate near the cement border, possibly influenced by osteoclastic activity in the adjacent marrow.
- Understanding these resorption patterns is crucial for improving long-term fixation and reducing aseptic loosening in TKRs.
Related Concept Videos
01:40Bone Remodeling
40.7K
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
40.7K
01:09Spongy Bone
8.7K
All bones comprise an outer layer of compact bone, and an interior made up of spongy bone tissue, also called cancellous or trabecular bone. In long bones, spongy bone tissue is mainly found in the interior of the epiphyses (broad ends of the bone).
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
Spongy bone is more porous, and less dense compared to compact bone. It is composed of concentric lamellae that are arranged irregularly to form the trabecular network. In some bones, the spaces between trabeculae contain red marrow, where...
8.7K
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
4.5K
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during...
4.5K
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
6.0K
Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
6.0K