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Acta Biomaterialia Jan 2023The last decade has witnessed rapid advancements in manufacturing technologies for biomedical implants. Additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) has broken down major... (Review)
Review
The last decade has witnessed rapid advancements in manufacturing technologies for biomedical implants. Additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) has broken down major barriers in the way of producing complex 3D geometries. Electron beam melting (EBM) is one such 3D printing process applicable to metals and alloys. EBM offers build rates up to two orders of magnitude greater than comparable laser-based technologies and a high vacuum environment to prevent accumulation of trace elements. These features make EBM particularly advantageous for materials susceptible to spontaneous oxidation and nitrogen pick-up when exposed to air (e.g., titanium and titanium-based alloys). For skeletal reconstruction(s), anatomical mimickry and integrated macro-porous architecture to facilitate bone ingrowth are undoubtedly the key features of EBM manufactured implants. Using finite element modelling of physiological loading conditions, the design of a prosthesis may be further personalised. This review looks at the many unique clinical applications of EBM in skeletal repair and the ground-breaking innovations in prosthetic rehabilitation. From a simple acetabular cup to the fifth toe, from the hand-wrist complex to the shoulder, and from vertebral replacement to cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction, EBM has experienced it all. While sternocostal reconstructions might be rare, the repair of long bones using EBM manufactured implants is becoming exceedingly frequent. Despite the various merits, several challenges remain yet untackled. Nevertheless, with the capability to produce osseointegrating implants of any conceivable shape/size, and permissive of bone ingrowth and functional loading, EBM can pave the way for numerous fascinating and novel applications in skeletal repair, regeneration, and rehabilitation. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Electron beam melting (EBM) offers unparalleled possibilities in producing contaminant-free, complex and intricate geometries from alloys of biomedical interest, including Ti6Al4V and CoCr. We review the diverse range of clinical applications of EBM in skeletal repair, both as mass produced off-the-shelf implants and personalised, patient-specific prostheses. From replacing large volumes of disease-affected bone to complex, multi-material reconstructions, almost every part of the human skeleton has been replaced with an EBM manufactured analog to achieve macroscopic anatomical-mimickry. However, various questions regarding long-term performance of patient-specific implants remain unaddressed. Directions for further development include designing personalised implants and prostheses based on simulated loading conditions and accounting for trabecular bone microstructure with respect to physiological factors such as patient's age and disease status.
Topics: Humans; Porosity; Titanium; Bone-Anchored Prosthesis; Electrons; Prostheses and Implants; Alloys
PubMed: 35675890
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.06.002 -
Brazilian Dental Journal 2023In this study, we aimed to evaluate the halitosis and pain threshold of the peri-implant soft tissues in individuals rehabilitated with implant-supported prostheses.... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the halitosis and pain threshold of the peri-implant soft tissues in individuals rehabilitated with implant-supported prostheses. Forty-eight subjects were divided into four groups (n = 12) according to their prosthetic rehabilitation: single-tooth fixed prosthesis, multi-tooth fixed prosthesis, overdentures, and the Brånemark protocol. Halitosis was measured using a halimeter, whereas the pain threshold was measured using Von Frey monofilaments. Measurements were taken before (t0) and 30 days after (t1) placement of healing caps, and at the time of (t2) and 30 days after (t3) prosthetic placement. Halitosis data were analyzed using the chi-square test and Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05) were used to analyze pain threshold data. We noted an association between halitosis and time for the Brånemark protocol [X2(6) = 18.471; p = 0.005] and overdenture groups [X2(6) = 17.732; p = 0.007], and between halitosis and type of prosthesis only at t0 [X2(6) = 12.894; p = 0.045]. The interaction between time and the type of prosthesis significantly interfered with the mean pain threshold values (p = 0.001). At most time points, the majority of participants in each group had clinically unacceptable halitosis. After 30 days of using the prostheses, the overdenture group had a lower pain threshold compared to the Brånemark protocol group.
Topics: Humans; Dental Implants; Halitosis; Pain Threshold; Cohort Studies; Tooth; Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported
PubMed: 38133082
DOI: 10.1590/0103-6440202305527 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia 2022Due to the development of complications and the biocompatibility and scarcity of transplant donor tissues, artificial corneas, which can be used for the rehabilitation... (Review)
Review
Due to the development of complications and the biocompatibility and scarcity of transplant donor tissues, artificial corneas, which can be used for the rehabilitation of optical functions, have been developed. The current study aimed to analyze the visual rehabilitation effects of the Boston type I keratoprosthesis, Boston type II keratoprosthesis, Aurolab keratoprosthesis, osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis, and tibial bone keratoprosthesis. Results showed that the Boston type I keratoprosthesis was the most effective for visual rehabilitation in patients with moist ocular surfaces. The Aurolab keratoprosthesis had a lower efficacy for visual rehabilitation. Nevertheless, it is still a viable option for individuals in economically restricted countries. In patients with dry eyes, the Boston type II keratoprosthesis was associated with the best visual rehabilitation. However, the final visual acuity of patients who received osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis and tibial bone keratoprosthesis implantation was not evaluated as the necessary information was not available.
Topics: Humans; Cornea; Prostheses and Implants; Corneal Diseases; Prosthesis Implantation; Retrospective Studies; Corneal Transplantation
PubMed: 36169436
DOI: 10.5935/0004-2749.2021-0350 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2019Chronic implant-related bone infections are a major problem in orthopedic and trauma-related surgery with severe consequences for the affected patients. As antibiotic... (Review)
Review
Chronic implant-related bone infections are a major problem in orthopedic and trauma-related surgery with severe consequences for the affected patients. As antibiotic resistance increases in general and because most antibiotics have poor effectiveness against biofilm-embedded bacteria in particular, there is a need for alternative and innovative treatment approaches. Recently, the immune system has moved into focus as the key player in infection defense and bone homeostasis, and the targeted modulation of the host response is becoming an emerging field of interest. The aim of this review was to summarize the current knowledge of impaired endogenous defense mechanisms that are unable to prevent chronicity of bone infections associated with a prosthetic or osteosynthetic device. The presence of foreign material adversely affects the immune system by generating a local immune-compromised environment where spontaneous clearance of planktonic bacteria does not take place. Furthermore, the surface structure of the implant facilitates the transition of bacteria from the planktonic to the biofilm stage. Biofilm formation on the implant surface is closely linked to the development of a chronic infection, and a misled adaption of the immune system makes it impossible to effectively eliminate biofilm infections. The interaction between the immune system and bone cells, especially osteoclasts, is extensively studied in the field of osteoimmunology and this crosstalk further aggravates the course of bone infection by shifting bone homeostasis in favor of bone resorption. T cells play a major role in various chronic diseases and in this review a special focus was therefore set on what is known about an ineffective T cell response. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), anti-inflammatory macrophages, regulatory T cells (Ts) as well as osteoclasts all suppress immune defense mechanisms and negatively regulate T cell-mediated immunity. Thus, these cells are considered to be potential targets for immune therapy. The success of immune checkpoint inhibition in cancer treatment encourages the transfer of such immunological approaches into treatment strategies of other chronic diseases. Here, we discuss whether immune modulation can be a therapeutic tool for the treatment of chronic implant-related bone infections.
Topics: Animals; Biofilms; Humans; Immunomodulation; Immunotherapy; Osteomyelitis; Prostheses and Implants; Prosthesis-Related Infections
PubMed: 31396229
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01724 -
JACC. Cardiovascular Interventions Nov 2019
Topics: Aortic Valve; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Humans; Prostheses and Implants; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31564594
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcin.2019.08.003 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2020Over the last decades, joint arthroplasty has become a successful treatment for joint disease. Nowadays, with a growing demand and increasingly younger and active... (Review)
Review
Over the last decades, joint arthroplasty has become a successful treatment for joint disease. Nowadays, with a growing demand and increasingly younger and active patients accepting these approaches, orthopedic surgeons are seeking implants with improved mechanical behavior and longer life span. However, aseptic loosening as a result of wear debris from implants is considered to be the main cause of long-term implant failure. Previous studies have neatly illustrated the role of micrometric wear particles in the pathological mechanisms underlying aseptic loosening. Recent osteoimmunologic insights into aseptic loosening highlight the important and heretofore underrepresented contribution of nanometric orthopedic wear particles. The present review updates the characteristics of metallic and ceramic nanoparticles generated after prosthesis implantation and summarizes the current understanding of their hazardous effects on peri-prosthetic cells.
Topics: Animals; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Bone-Implant Interface; Ceramics; Humans; Metal Nanoparticles; Nanoparticles; Osteoblasts; Osteoclasts; Prostheses and Implants
PubMed: 32982228
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S248848 -
Journal of Neuroengineering and... Jul 2020Understanding how prostheses are used in everyday life is central to the design, provision and evaluation of prosthetic devices and associated services. This paper...
BACKGROUND
Understanding how prostheses are used in everyday life is central to the design, provision and evaluation of prosthetic devices and associated services. This paper reviews the scientific literature on methodologies and technologies that have been used to assess the daily use of both upper- and lower-limb prostheses. It discusses the types of studies that have been undertaken, the technologies used to monitor physical activity, the benefits of monitoring daily living and the barriers to long-term monitoring, with particular focus on low-resource settings.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and EMBASE of studies that monitored the activity of prosthesis users during daily-living.
RESULTS
Sixty lower-limb studies and 9 upper-limb studies were identified for inclusion in the review. The first studies in the lower-limb field date from the 1990s and the number has increased steadily since the early 2000s. In contrast, the studies in the upper-limb field have only begun to emerge over the past few years. The early lower-limb studies focused on the development or validation of actimeters, algorithms and/or scores for activity classification. However, most of the recent lower-limb studies used activity monitoring to compare prosthetic components. The lower-limb studies mainly used step-counts as their only measure of activity, focusing on the amount of activity, not the type and quality of movements. In comparison, the small number of upper-limb studies were fairly evenly spread between development of algorithms, comparison of everyday activity to clinical scores, and comparison of different prosthesis user populations. Most upper-limb papers reported the degree of symmetry in activity levels between the arm with the prosthesis and the intact arm.
CONCLUSIONS
Activity monitoring technology used in conjunction with clinical scores and user feedback, offers significant insights into how prostheses are used and whether they meet the user's requirements. However, the cost, limited battery-life and lack of availability in many countries mean that using sensors to understand the daily use of prostheses and the types of activity being performed has not yet become a feasible standard clinical practice. This review provides recommendations for the research and clinical communities to advance this area for the benefit of prosthesis users.
Topics: Artificial Limbs; Humans; Lower Extremity; Monitoring, Physiologic; Prostheses and Implants; Technology; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 32665020
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-020-00711-4 -
Critical Reviews in Microbiology Feb 2021Biofilms are complex microbial architectures that encase microbial cells in a matrix comprising self-produced extracellular polymeric substances. Microorganisms living... (Review)
Review
Biofilms are complex microbial architectures that encase microbial cells in a matrix comprising self-produced extracellular polymeric substances. Microorganisms living in biofilms are much more resistant to hostile environments than their planktonic counterparts and exhibit enhanced resistance against the microbicides. From the human perspective, biofilms can be classified into beneficial, neutral, and harmful. Harmful biofilms impact food safety, cause plant and animal diseases, and threaten medical fields, making it urgent to develop effective and robust strategies to control harmful biofilms. In this review, we discuss various strategies to control biofilm formation on infected tissues, implants, and medical devices. We classify the current strategies into three main categories: (i) changing the properties of susceptible surfaces to prevent biofilm formation; (ii) regulating signalling pathways to inhibit biofilm formation; (iii) applying external forces to eradicate the biofilm. We hope this review would motivate the development of innovative and effective strategies for controlling harmful biofilms.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Biofilms; Humans; Prostheses and Implants
PubMed: 33356690
DOI: 10.1080/1040841X.2020.1842325 -
Journal of Prosthodontic Research Jan 2024This scoping review aimed to systematically map research regarding implant-assisted removable partial dentures (IARPDs), and identify existing gaps in knowledge. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This scoping review aimed to systematically map research regarding implant-assisted removable partial dentures (IARPDs), and identify existing gaps in knowledge.
STUDY SELECTION
Two reviewers independently conducted a search of the MEDLINE-PubMed and Scopus databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for Scoping Review and included articles published in English up to August 31, 2022, including human studies, reviews, and in vitro studies. Expert opinions, animal studies, and clinical studies involving complete overdentures were excluded, and ten aspects for establishing the treatment strategy for IARPDs were examined.
RESULTS
One hundred and twelve articles were chosen. There were two treatment modalities: IARPDs retained by implant- and tooth-supported surveyed single crowns (SCs) or fixed partial dentures (FPDs). In IARPDs retained by tooth-supported surveyed SCs or FPDs, the survival rate of dental implants for IARPDs was relatively higher with a wide range of marginal bone loss and many complications, but with improved functional performance, oral health-related quality of life, and patient satisfaction. There were limited data on survival or success rates and designs of IARPDs, attachment selections, length and diameter, inclination, placement sites, and loading protocols of implants, regardless of prosthetic types. There was limited information on maxillary IARPDs except for survival rates of implants.
CONCLUSIONS
Although IARPDs could become a useful treatment strategy, there is limited scientific consensus with gaps in knowledge about their use. Additional well-designed clinical and in vitro studies are necessary to scientifically establish IARPDs as definitive prostheses in implant dentistry.
Topics: Humans; Dental Implants; Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; Denture, Partial, Removable; Patient Satisfaction; Quality of Life; Tooth
PubMed: 37164658
DOI: 10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_22_00252 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Aug 2023Recently, total talar prosthesis has been proposed to substitute the talus during the management of complex talar lesions such as talar extrusion, comminuted talar... (Review)
Review
Recently, total talar prosthesis has been proposed to substitute the talus during the management of complex talar lesions such as talar extrusion, comminuted talar fractures, or avascular necrosis. Herein, we report two cases of talar extrusion treated with total talar replacement after a high-intensity trauma. Both cases subsequently required revision surgery due to degenerative changes of the tibial plafond (arthrodesis in the first case, conversion to a total ankle prosthesis in the latter). We report and analyze the literature concerning total talar replacement to discuss strategies that could help improve prosthesis survival and reduce the incidence of osteoarthritis.
Topics: Humans; Prostheses and Implants; Prosthesis Implantation; Fractures, Bone; Osteoarthritis; Prosthesis Failure
PubMed: 37629788
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081498