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Tissue response to polyglycolide and polylactide pins in cancellous bone
P Nordström1, H Pihlajamäki, T Toivonen
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
|May 15, 1998
Summary
Self-reinforced polyglycolide (SR-PGA) pins degraded within 36 weeks, while self-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) pins showed no degradation. Both implants supported bone formation, with SR-PGA showing more osteoid and macrophages during degradation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Biodegradable polymers are crucial for orthopedic implants.
- Self-reinforced polyglycolide (SR-PGA) and poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) are promising materials.
- Understanding their long-term tissue response is essential for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the tissue reaction and degradation of SR-PGA and SR-PLLA pins in rat femora.
- To evaluate the bone healing response around these biodegradable implants.
Main Methods:
- SR-PGA and SR-PLLA pins were implanted into rat distal femora (n=51).
- Control femora (n=8) were non-operated.
- Tissue reactions were assessed using radiographic, histological, histomorphometric, microradiographic, and oxytetracycline fluorescence methods over 52 weeks.
Main Results:
- SR-PGA pins began degrading at 3 weeks and were fully degraded by 36 weeks.
- SR-PLLA pins showed no degradation throughout the 52-week study period.
- Both implants stimulated active new bone formation.
- At 12 weeks, SR-PGA sites had significantly higher osteoid formation (P < 0.01) and macrophage activity (P < 0.05) compared to SR-PLLA sites.
Conclusions:
- Both SR-PGA and SR-PLLA exhibit good biocompatibility.
- SR-PGA undergoes predictable degradation, promoting enhanced bone formation and inflammatory response during this process.
- SR-PLLA offers a non-degrading alternative with good bone integration.