In vivo effect of UV-photofunctionalization of CoCrMo in processes of guided bone regeneration and tissue engineering.

Photofunctionalization of implant materials with ultraviolet (UV) radiation have been subject of study in the last two decades, and previous research on CoCrMo discs have showed good results in terms of bioactivity and the findings of apatite-like crystals in vitro. In the current study, CoCrMo domes were photofunctionalized with UV radiation of 254 nm on their internal faces during 24 hr; they were implanted in rabbit tibia and remained for 3, 4, and 6 weeks. The potential to induce bone formation beneath the dome-shaped membranes was evaluated through morphometric, histologic, and density measurements; and the results were compared with those obtained under control untreated domes. Higher density values were observed for irradiated domes at 3 weeks, whereas higher volumes were obtained under photofunctionalized domes for longer periods (4 and 6 weeks). Histologically, woven bone was formed by endochondral ossification in all cases; differences in the architecture and size of the trabeculae and in the number of osteoblasts were noted between irradiated and non-irradiated samples. The UV radiation of 254 nm generated a larger bone volume fraction compared to that found in the absence of UVC radiation and induced an increase of density in the early stages of healing, leading to a better initial bone quality and improved osseointegration.

CoCrMo alloy as biomaterial for bone reconstruction in oral and maxillofacial surgery: a scoping review / Aleación de CoCrMo como biomaterial para la reconstrucción ósea en cirugía oral y maxilofacial: una revisión del alcance

Background: Osseointegration allowed for a breakthrough in biomaterials and techniques and it has contributed to increased application of dental implants. However, insufficient bone level is a frequent problem and it creates an anatomically less favourable base for implant placement. The first surgical procedure should comprise the reconstruction of the alveolar bone height. CoCrMo alloys are nowadays considered as highly corrosion resistant and biocompatible materials in dentistry, and therefore has been suggested as a suitable biomaterial for guided bone regeneration and tissue engineering. Aim: To determine the use of CoCrMo alloy for implantable devices in oral and maxillofacial surgery and to discuss the potential of this alloy for bone regeneration and repair through a scoping review. Material and methods: The search was done by using various databases including PubMed, Thomson Reuters and Scopus. We selected English literature related to studies reporting the CoCrMo properties and manufacturing processes and findings related to bone-forming techniques. Data was compared qualitatively. Results: 90 studies were selected according to the inclusion criteria. We reported different manufacturing techniques and their advantages related to mechanical, chemical and biocompatible properties. Conclusion: Improved tissue reactions of CoCrMo implant devices can be acquired by the application of novel techniques and surface modifications. Moreover, several processes have demonstrated to improve the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of the CoCrMo alloy to promote the attachment, proliferation and guided differentiation of seeding cells.

Antecedentes: La osteointegración ha permitido un gran avance en biomateriales y técnicas, y ha contribuido un mayor uso de implantes dentales. Sin embargo, la existencia de un nivel óseo insuficiente es un problema frecuente y crea una base anatómicamente menos favorable para la colocación de implantes. El primer procedimiento quirúrgico debe comprender la reconstrucción de la altura del hueso alveolar. Las aleaciones de CoCrMo se consideran hoy en día como materiales altamente resistentes a la corrosión y biocompatibles en odontología y, por lo tanto, se ha sugerido como un biomaterial adecuado para la regeneración ósea guiada y la ingeniería de tejidos. Objetivo: Determinar el uso de la aleación CoCrMo para dispositivos implantables en cirugía oral y maxilofacial y discutir sobre el potencial de esta aleación para la regeneración y reparación ósea a través de una revisión de alcance. Material y Métodos: La búsqueda se realizó utilizando varias bases de datos, incluidas PubMed, Thomson Reuters y Scopus. Se seleccionó literatura inglesa relacionada con estudios que informan sobre las propiedades de CoCrMo y los procesos de fabricación y los hallazgos relacionados con las técnicas de formación de huesos. Los datos se compararon cualitativamente. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 90 estudios según los criterios de inclusión. y se reportaron diferentes técnicas de fabricación y sus ventajas relacionadas con propiedades mecánicas, químicas y biocompatibles. Conclusión: Las reacciones tisulares mejoradas de los dispositivos de implante CoCrMo pueden adquirirse mediante la aplicación de nuevas técnicas y modificaciones de la superficie. Además, varios procesos han demostrado mejorar la biocompatibilidad in vitro e in vivo de la aleación CoCrMo para promover la unión, proliferación y diferenciación guiada de las células de siembra.

Image-based analysis of trabecular bone in osteoporotic rabbits: correlation of morphological features and bone mineral density profile.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse a set of morphological features from digital radiographs (RX) and bone mineral density (BMD) values estimated from quantitative computerized tomography scans (QCT scans) of the knee joint of an osteoporotic rabbits, and to determine the relationship and correlation of these variables to be considered as an alternative diagnosis method. METHODS: The knee joint of rabbits (N = 9 ovariectomized and injected with of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (OVX + MPSS) and 3 sham operated healthy controls) were subjected to radiographic examination before the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks; after sacrifice, they were immediately scanned with a 64-channel CT. A set of morphological features was extracted from RX images and then subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA); BMD-values were calculated at different depths from the articular surface of the femur and the tibia. The selected morphological variables and the BMD values were correlated in order to determine useful information in medical diagnostics. RESULTS: Ten morphological variables explained 80.39% of the total variability, but only some of them demonstrated significant differences between baseline and OVX + SSMP states and between OVX + SSMP and control. Spearman analysis showed higher positive and negative correlation of these parameters among them (r = 0.67, 0.81, 0.83 and 1); and a moderate correlation with the BMD values (r = 0.50, 0.52, 0.52 and 0.55) during the progression of osteoporosis (OP). CONCLUSION: The Spearman's rank test supported the overall significant correlation between both, the morphological features and BMD values, making them as a reliable alternative option to the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Influence of Chromium-Cobalt-Molybdenum Alloy (ASTM F75) on Bone Ingrowth in an Experimental Animal Model.

Cr-Co-Mo (ASTM F75) alloy has been used in the medical environment, but its use as a rigid barrier membrane for supporting bone augmentation therapies has not been extensively investigated. In the present study, Cr-Co-Mo membranes of different heights were placed in New Zealand white, male rabbit tibiae to assess the quality and volume of new bone formation, without the use of additional factors. Animals were euthanized at 20, 30, 40, and 60 days. Bone formation was observed in all of the cases, although the tibiae implanted with the standard membranes reached an augmentation of bone volume that agreed with the density values over the timecourse. In all cases, plasmatic exudate was found under the membrane and in contact with the new bone. Histological analysis indicated the presence of a large number of chondroblasts adjacent to the inner membrane surface in the first stages, and osteoblasts and osteocytes were observed under them. The bone formation was appositional. The Cr-Co-Mo alloy provides a scaffold with an adequate microenvironment for vertical bone volume augmentation, and the physical dimensions and disposition of the membrane itself influence the new bone formation.

Improvement of Cr-Co-Mo Membrane Surface Used as Barrier for Bone Regeneration through UV Photofunctionalization: An In Vitro Study.

Although there are several studies of the ultraviolet (UV) light-mediated photofunctionalization of titanium for use as implant material, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. However, the results of in vitro and in vivo studies are very encouraging. The use of UV photofunctionalization as a surface treatment on other implant materials, as the Cr-Co-Mo alloy, has not been explored in depth. Using sandblasted Cr-Co-Mo discs, the surface photofunctionalization was studied for ultraviolet A (UVA, 365 nm) and ultraviolet C (UVC, 254 nm), and the surfaces were evaluated for their ability to sustain hydroxyapatite crystal growth through incubation in simulated body fluid for a seven-day period. The variation of the pre- and post-irradiation contact angle and surface composition was determined through the quantification of the weight percentage of Ca and P crystals by the EDAX ZAF method (EDS). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for samples irradiated with UVA over 48 h, corresponding with hydrophilic surfaces, and the same result was found for samples exposed to 3 h of UVC. Superhydrophilic surfaces were found in samples irradiated for 12, 24 and 48 h with UVC. The decrease in the carbon content is related with the increase in the surface content of Ca and P, and vice versa over the Cr-Co-Mo surfaces.

Bone Augmentation in Rabbit Tibia Using Microfixed Cobalt-Chromium Membranes with Whole Blood and Platelet-Rich Plasma.

BACKGROUND: Bone augmentation is a subject of intensive investigation in regenerative bone medicine and constitutes a clinical situation in which autogenous bone grafts or synthetic materials are used to aid new bone formation. METHOD: Based on a non-critical defect, Co-Cr barrier membranes were placed on six adult Fauve de Bourgogne rabbits, divided into two groups: whole blood and PRP. Three densitometric controls were performed during the experiment. The animals were euthanized at 30, 45, 60, and 110 days. The presence of newly formed bone was observed. Samples for histological studies were taken from the augmentation center. RESULTS: External and internal bone tissue augmentation was observed in almost all cases. Significant differences between PRP- and whole blood-stimulated bone augmentation were not observed. At 60 days, bones with PRP presented higher angiogenesis, which may indicate more proliferation and cellular activity. CONCLUSION: PRP activates the bone regeneration process under optimized conditions by stimulation of osteoblast proliferation after six weeks, when a significant difference in cellular activity was observed. Membranes could stimulate bone augmentation at the site of placement and in the surrounding areas.