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Objective:To explore the repairing effects of 3D-printed nano-β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds loaded with vancomycin and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) for seawater -soaked tibial bone defects in rabbits. Methods:A total of 27 male New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to the normal group using a random number table method, with each group consisting of 9 rabbits. The rabbit tibial bone defect model was created using the osteotomy surgical method. Eight hours after operation, the wounds in the control group and seawater group were immersed in seawater for 2 hours, and those in the normal group were not immersed. After an observation period of 5-7 days, no significant redness or purulent discharge was observed in the wound appearance, then debridement was performed followed by corresponding implantations: the control group with gelatin sponges loaded with vancomycin and BMP-2, and the other two groups with 3D-printed nano-β-TCP scaffolds loaded with vancomycin and BMP-2. After filling the bone defects with the respective materials, all groups underwent layer-by-layer suturing of the wound, followed by disinfection with iodine and injection of gentamicin to prevent infection. The affected limbs were then immobilized using a plaster cast. The affected limbs were imaged using anteroposterior X-ray at 4, 8 and 16 weeks after operation, and the repair effects were evaluated using the Lane-Sandhu X-ray scoring system. At 16 weeks after operation, the bone defect tissues were collected for HE staining to observe bone tissue growth.Results:At 4 weeks after operation, the Lane-Sandhu X-ray score in the control group was significantly lower than that in the normal group [(2.8±1.1)points vs. (1.1±0.9)points] ( P<0.05), and that in the seawater group [(2.2±1.0)points] was not significantly different from those in the other two groups (all P>0.05). At 8 weeks after operation, the seawater group [(6.1±0.9)points] and the control group [(2.8±1.0)points] exhibited lower Lane-Sandhu X-ray score compared to the normal group [(8.2±1.0)points] (all P<0.05), and the seawater group showed a higher score compared to the control group ( P<0.05). At 16 weeks after operation, the control group [(3.8±1.0)points] exhibited a lower Lane-Sandhu X-ray score compared to the normal group [(10.0±1.3)points] and the seawater group [(9.3±1.2)points] (all P<0.05), while no significant difference was noted between the latter two ( P>0.05). At 16 weeks after operation, histological observations revealed varying degrees of bone tissue formation in three groups, with the normal group showing the best bone defect repair effect, followed by the seawater group. Conclusion:The 3D-printed nano-β-TCP scaffolds loaded with vancomycin and BMP-2 are effective for the treatment of seawater -soaked bone defects, which can promote bone tissue repair.
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Objective To compare the stress and its distribution between our self-designed new assembly of locking compression plate (NALCP) of low elastic modulus versus conventional locking compression plate (LCP) in fixation of femoral comminuted fractures.Methods Six pairs of cadaveric femur were used to create models of middle femoral comminuted fracture.The femoral fracture models were fixated respectively by NALCP of Ti2448 with low elastic modulus (E =30 Gpa) (NALCP group) and conventional LCP of Ti-6Al-4V with high elastic modulus (E =110 Gpa) (LCP group).Axial and torsion loads were applied on the models in the 2 groups to simulate those on one leg when a person slowly walks.The relative maximum displacements on the X,Y and Z axes of fracture fragments,and the maximum and average strains of the plate were recorded in the 2 groups.Nephograms of strain distribution were made for the 2 groups.The results of fatigue test under axial loads were recorded for NALCP group.Results Both the axial and torsion loading tests showed significantly larger principal and average strains in NACLP group than in LCP group (P ＜ 0.05).However,there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the relative maximum displacements of fracture fragments on X,Y or Z axis (P ＞ 0.05).The plate strain nephograms for the 2 groups showed consistent strain distributions.The plates in NALCP group survived 1,000,000 fatigue tests under axial loads,without any deformation,loosening or breakage.Conclusion As our NALCP of low elastic modulus may be better in stress transmission and distribution,it can effectively reduce the effect of stress-shielding and promote bone healing.
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Objective To compare the biomechanical characteristics of new assembly of locking compression plate (NALCP) and locking compression plate (LCP) in internal fixation of femoral shaft comminuted fractures.Methods The preparation of a femoral shaft wedge fracture model (AO type 32-C2.1),six pairs of (12) femoral specimens were collected and divided into two groups randomly,with six in each group.The Group A was made up of the new assembly of locking compression plate fixation model (NALCP),and Group B the locking compression plate fixation model (LCP).The biomechanical properties of steel plates in two groups were tested by axial loading and torsional loading tests.The relative maximum displacement of fracture blocks in two groups on the X,Y and Z axes (the coronal axis was set as X axis,through the medial and lateral femur;the transverse axis was set as Z axis,through the femoral intercondylar fossa,perpendicular to the X axis;the sagittal axis was set as Y axis,perpendicular to the X and Z axis),the maximum strain,and the average strain of the steel plate were recorded.Strain distribution nephogram was produced,and the axial loading fatigue test results of Group A were recorded.Results Axial loading test:the relative maximum displacement of fracture in Group A on X,Y and Z axis were smaller than those in Group B (P ＜0.05 or 0.01);the main strain of Group A was greater than that of Group B (P ＜0.01);there was no significant difference in the average strain between Group A and Group B (P ＞ 0.05).Torsional loading test:The relative maximum displacement of fracture in Group A on X and Z axis was smaller than that of Group B (P ＜ 0.01);there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups on the Y axis (P ＞ 0.05);the main strain of plate in Group A was greater than that in Group B (P ＜ 0.01);there was no statistically significant difference in the average strain between Group A and Group B (P ＞ 0.05).There was no obvious difference in strain distribution between the two groups.In Group A,the fatigue test of axial cyclic loading was performed for 1 million times,and the NALCP was intact without deformation,loosening,or rupture.Conclusion NALCP can provide strong mechanical stability for comminuted femoral fracture.The design of bridge steel plate is reasonable,which can effectively avoid stress concentration,reduce the stress shielding of steel plate,and facilitate bone healing.
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Objective To evaluate the ergotropic effect of bone cement on pedicle screw fixation in treatment of osteopo-rotic thoracolumbar fracture.Methods Fifty-three patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture, admitted from Jun. 2013 to Dec. 2014, were included for treatment by augmentation of pedicle screw fixation with bone cement. All patients underwent pre-operative examination of bone mineral density with T-score ≤-2.5 and augmentation of pedicle screw fixation with injection of 1.5 ml bone cement in adjacent to fractured vertebra. All patients were treated with anti-osteoporosis therapy pre- and post-operation, ob-served and recorded with basic conditions and complications. At pre-operation, one-week post-operation and last follow-up, pain vi-sual analogue scale (VAS) and neurological function score (ASIA) of all patients were recorded, and the compression rats of anterior and posterior edge of fractured vertebra, and compression rats of spinal canal and Cobb angel of all patients were measured.Results All the 53 patients were successfully undergone operation in about 90-140 min with blood loss of about 150-350 ml. No spinal cord or nerve injury, dural tear and obvious leakage of bone cement and screw loosening occurred during operation. All patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months and the neurological function obviously recovered contrasted with pre-operation. X-ray and CT examination at last follow-up showed good fractures healing, good position and non-loosening of internal fixation device and non-leakage of bone cement. At one week post-operation and last follow-up, VAS, compression rats of anterior edge and posterior edge of fractured vertebra, compression rats of spinal canal and Cobb angel were significantly lower than those at pre-operation (P0.05).Conclusions Augmentation of pedicle screw fixation with bone cement can effectively strengthen the initial stability of pedicle screw in osteo-porosis, restore the height of fractured vertebra and reduce the compression of spinal canal, which will help the correction of spinal kyphosis and neurological function recovery. This method can well maintain long-term stability of internal fixation in osteoporosis and height of fractured vertebra, and significantly reduce the risks of long-term screw loosening and vertebral collapse.