Biocompatibility of carbon femoral head:An animal experiment / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous experiments demonstrated that low-temperature isotropic pyrolytic carbon has excellent biological features. However, the research regarding low-temperature isotropic pyrolytic carbon prosthesis in hip joints, especially the biological features following hemiarthroplasty are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: Utilizing implantation experiment, the aim of this study was to investigate the biocompatibility, as well as the interface wear properties of carbon femoral head prosthesis, coated with low-temperature isotropic pyrolytic carbon (silicon). DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: In vivo hemiarthroplasty, randomized controlled animal experiment. The experiment was performed at the Experimental Animal Center, the Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, from October 2008 to April 2009. MATERIALS Carbon femoral head prostheses.were supplied by Jilin Central Hospital. The carbon femoral head prosthesis was coated with low-temperature isotropic pyrolytic carbon. METHODS: Carbon femoral head prostheses were implanted in 16 adult New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were sacrificed at weeks 6 (n=4), 11 (n=6), 21 (n=6), respectively. Rabbits in the 21-week group were induced to move from 18 weeks with 2 hours per day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The biocompatibility and the interface wear phenomena of the prostheses were investigated by general observation, X-ray observation and tissue slice observation. RESULTS: The carbon femoral head prostheses implanted in animals produced non-toxic side effects, without significant inflammatory response or foreign body reaction. Furthermore, new cartilage tissue around carbon prosthesis was found, while there was no obvious wear debris after sports experiments. CONCLUSION: The film coating carbon materials have excellent biocompatibility and good wear resistance as femoral head prosthesis. Thus, it is a kind of promising biomaterials in prosthesis manufacturing.