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Bioengineering
Extending Implant Longevity
Target Condition: Implants that cause discomfort or wear out over time.
Traditional Approach: Treating implant surfaces to improve bone attachment.
New Approach: Utilizing materials that mimic natural bone
Progress: Several promising implant coatings and textures are under investigation.
Investigator Dr. Sally Frenkel
Joint replacement surgery, in which an artificial hip or knee (for example) is implanted in place of a severely diseased or damaged joint, relieves pain and restores mobility, granting a pain-free existence to millions. Unfortunately, even the best joint replacement devices eventually loosen; when this happens, a second operation is required to replace the compromised device. This becomes an even greater problem as life spans continue to increase. Furthermore, a variety of new drugs for related conditions (e.g., osteoporosis) are being administered to joint replacement patients—drugs that may interfere with prosthesis performance.
Evidence of implant loosening This x-ray reveals that the acetabular component ("socket") of this hip replacement prosthesis has loosened over a period of years. (The arrow indicates the area of significant bone loss.) Currently such a condition requires a second, more complex operation to restore bone stock and replace the implant.
A variety of approaches to this problem have been taken in the past, including the use of new types of implant cement and treating implant surfaces with special coatings and textures. Dr. Frenkel’s research in this area has concentrated on stimulating early integration of implant and surrounding bone so as to achieve optimal device longevity. We are currently focusing on developing materials that mimic natural bone and encourage long-term bone-implant interlock. The use of hydroxyapatites (bone mineral) and experimental implant surface texturing are among the approaches being investigated. We are also performing animal studies in which drugs often used by joint replacement patients are being administered, and the subsequent success and longevity of the prosthesis is being examined.
Several candidate implant coatings and texturings are under investigation. Data from studies performed short-term (up to six months) are encouraging, and long-term studies are now under way that will serve to confirm our first findings and suggest new directions in treating this problem. We have demonstrated that these improvements result in rapid bone attachment to the implant and increased mechanical strength over time.
Schematic of implantable chamber Simulated implant surfaces employing different materials and or surfaces treatments can be tested in vivo in a polyethylene implant chamber developed in our laboratories.
Extending Implant Longevity
Target Condition: Implants that cause discomfort or wear out over time.
Traditional Approach: Treating implant surfaces to improve bone attachment.
New Approach: Utilizing materials that mimic natural bone
Progress: Several promising implant coatings and textures are under investigation.
Investigator Dr. Sally Frenkel
Joint replacement surgery, in which an artificial hip or knee (for example) is implanted in place of a severely diseased or damaged joint, relieves pain and restores mobility, granting a pain-free existence to millions. Unfortunately, even the best joint replacement devices eventually loosen; when this happens, a second operation is required to replace the compromised device. This becomes an even greater problem as life spans continue to increase. Furthermore, a variety of new drugs for related conditions (e.g., osteoporosis) are being administered to joint replacement patients—drugs that may interfere with prosthesis performance.
Evidence of implant loosening This x-ray reveals that the acetabular component ("socket") of this hip replacement prosthesis has loosened over a period of years. (The arrow indicates the area of significant bone loss.) Currently such a condition requires a second, more complex operation to restore bone stock and replace the implant.
A variety of approaches to this problem have been taken in the past, including the use of new types of implant cement and treating implant surfaces with special coatings and textures. Dr. Frenkel’s research in this area has concentrated on stimulating early integration of implant and surrounding bone so as to achieve optimal device longevity. We are currently focusing on developing materials that mimic natural bone and encourage long-term bone-implant interlock. The use of hydroxyapatites (bone mineral) and experimental implant surface texturing are among the approaches being investigated. We are also performing animal studies in which drugs often used by joint replacement patients are being administered, and the subsequent success and longevity of the prosthesis is being examined.
Several candidate implant coatings and texturings are under investigation. Data from studies performed short-term (up to six months) are encouraging, and long-term studies are now under way that will serve to confirm our first findings and suggest new directions in treating this problem. We have demonstrated that these improvements result in rapid bone attachment to the implant and increased mechanical strength over time.
Schematic of implantable chamber Simulated implant surfaces employing different materials and or surfaces treatments can be tested in vivo in a polyethylene implant chamber developed in our laboratories.