Three-dimensional printing porous titanium alloy scaffold repairs radial bone defect in rabbits

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.1705

Abstract

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Various methods have been applied in the treatment of long bone defects, but each of them had some defects, making great challenge to clinicians. Three-dimensional-printed bone grafting material is expected to become an alternative method for long bone defects.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the bone regeneration of three-dimensional-printed titanium alloy scaffold in repairing large radical defects of rabbits in vivo and to explore its feasibility in clinical practice．

METHODS: Twenty healthy male New Zealand White rabbits aged 9 months were included (provided by Laboratory Animal Center of Xuzhou Medical University). The rabbit bilateral forelimbs were scanned by CT preoperatively. The porous titanium alloy scaffolds were produced by three-dimensional printing technology based on the right side of middle radical shaft, which cut during the operation. The internal porosity and connectivity of the scaffold were observed by scanning electron microscope. A 20 mm radial segmental bone defect was made in the bilateral radius. Titanium alloy scaffolds were implanted in one side (experimental group), and the other side was filled with nothing (control group). On the first day and at 12 weeks postoperatively, X-ray was taken. The rabbits were sacrificed at 12 weeks postoperatively, and the forearms were harvested for gross observation and histological observation. Besides, the bone healing was evaluated by micro-CT.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The inner structure of scaffold was alveolate, and the pores were connected to each other with an average pore size of about 300 μm and a porosity of 60% to 65%. (2) Continuous bridged callus with a smooth surface were observed on the surface of titanium alloy scaffolds at postoperative 12 weeks. However, both ends were closed in control group, and the defect area was filled with fibrous tissue. (3) In the experimental group, osseous connection between titanium alloy scaffolds and both ends was observed on X-ray images at 12 weeks postoperatively, and small amount of callus was noticed at both ends and the ulnar side of the radius in the control group, with closed marrow cavity. (4) Both micro-CT and histological analysis showed that the titanium alloy scaffolds had good ability to facilitate the osteointegration. The bone volume fraction in the experimental group (26.35%±3.89%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (2.19%±1.36%) (P < 0.05). (5) In summary, porous titanium alloy scaffold produced by three-dimensional printing technology possesses admirable biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. It can be designed as required shape and be used as the appropriate biological material for bone defect repairing.

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：生物材料；骨生物材料; 口腔生物材料; 纳米材料; 缓释材料; 材料相容性；组织工程

Key words: three-dimensional printing, porous titanium alloy scaffold, bone grafting material, radial bone defect, radial shaft, osteoconductivity, bone healing, the National Natural Science Foundation of China

CLC Number:

Rui Min, Zheng Xin, Zhang Yunqing, Jiang Xuefeng, Gu Jiaye, Zhao Fengchao, Guo Kaijin. Three-dimensional printing porous titanium alloy scaffold repairs radial bone defect in rabbits[J]. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research, 2019, 23(18): 2789-2793.

Figures/Tables 4

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