Objective To investigate the clinical effect of free forearm flap and titanium mesh in repairing maxillary defects. Methods From January 2002 to November 2002,partial maxillectomy or maxillectomy wereperformed in 3 patients with maxillary gingival carcinoma, in 1 patient with palatine mucoepicermoid carcinoma and in 1 patient with maxillary sinus carcinoma. Maxillary defects were reconstructed withfree forearm flaps ranging from 4 cm×5 cm to 6 cm×7 cm and titanium mesh.The effect was estimated by clinical examination, CT and nasopharyngoscope. Results Five cases were followed up 515 months. All the flaps were alive. Facial, alveolar process and palatal contours were restored well. Epithelium was found on the nostril surface of the titanium mesh. The functions of speech and chew were restored well. Conclusion A combination of the free forearm flap and titanium mesh is an ideal method in reconstruction of maxillary defects.
ObjectiveTo study the effect of titanium particles on the proliferation, differentiation, and cytomorphology of osteoblasts, and to explore the possible internal relations and mechanism. MethodsCalvarial osteoblasts were separated from 10 newborn Sprague Dawley rats by repeated enzyme digestion, and were cultured in vitro. The cells were identified by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining. The cells at passage 3 were cultured with titanium particles culture medium at concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL groups). The absorbance (A) values were detected by cell counting kit 8 at 7 days after cultured to compare the effect of titanium particles at different concentrations on proliferation, and median lethal concentration was screened out. The expression of collagen type I was detected by ELISA to observe the effect of titanium particles on differentiation. The osteoblasts co-cultured with titanium particles of median lethal concentration (experimental group) for 7 days, and double fluorescence staining with FITC-phalloidine and propidium iodide was performed. The cytomorphology variation of osteoblasts after swallowing titanium particles was observed under laser scanning confocal microscope. The osteoblasts at passage 3 cultured with culture medium without titanium particles served as control group. ResultsThe cultured cells were identified as osteoblasts by ALP staining and alizarin red staining. Different concentrations of titanium particles could inhibit osteoblasts proliferation and differentiation in varying degrees, showing significant difference when compared with the control group at 7 days after culture (P<0.05). The cell proliferation and differentiation were decreased with increased titanium particles concentration; significant differences were found between the other groups (P<0.05) except 0.01 and 0.05 mg/mL groups (P>0.05). The median lethal concentration of titanium particles was 0.5 mg/mL. Laser scanning confocal microscope showed cellular shrinking, microfilaments distortion, pseudopodia contraction of osteoblasts that swallowed titanium particles in the experimental group. ConclusionTitanium particles can inhibit proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. The effect may be related to variation of cytomorphology after swallowing titanium particles.
Objective To evaluate the biomechanical characteristicsof titanium mesh with anterior plate fixation or ilium autograft in anterior cervical decompression.Methods Six fresh cervical spine specimens(C3-7) of young cadaver were used in the biomechanical test. After C5, C5,6 and C4-6 were given vertebrectomy,ilium autograft and titanium mesh with anterior plate fixation were performed. Their stabilities of flexion,bilateral axial rotation,the lateral bending and the extension were tested. Intact cervical spine specimens served as control group. Results Ilium autograft improved the stability of the unstable cervical vertebrae and decreased the flexion, the lateral bending or the extension, showing a significant difference when compared with control group(Plt;0.05). Whereas, axial rotational motion was decreased insignificantly(Pgt;0.05). Titanium meshwith anterior plate fixation improved the stability of the unstable spine and decreased the flexion,the bilateral axial rotation,the lateral bending or the extension, showing a significant difference when compared with control group(Plt;0.05). Conclusion The vertebrectomy and anterior cervical fusion by ilium autograft was the least stable construct of all modes tested,and the titanium mesh implantation is stabler than the intact cervical sample.
In order to study the Titanium-bone interaction and integration mechanism, the titanium implant was implanted in the tibia of 9 Newzealand rabbits, and the Ti-bone interface performed for 1, 3, and 6 months were examined and analyzed by fluorescence microscope and advanced TOF-SIMS techniques. The results showed that Ti-bone tissue was integrated closely in a very reactive manner. Both physical and chemical integration occurred in the Ti-bone interface. The Ti-bone could diffuse into the bone tissue though the diffusion was very limited. It was up to 100 microns in depth during the early period. The diffusion density was high, and later in a smooth distribution. Furthermore, while Ti+ diffused into the bone tissue, other elements such as Ca+, OH-, O-, etc, could also diffuse into titanium in exchange. The growth pattern around the bone tissue was in two fashions, one was implantefugal and the other was implantopetal. In this study, based on the ionic distribution, osmosis and impurity elements distribution, the Ti-bone integration mechanism was discussed at molecular and atomic level.
The surface morphology of titanium metal is an important factor affecting its hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, and exploring the surface treatment strategy of titanium metal is an important way to improve its biocompatibility. In this study, titanium (TA4) was firstly treated by large particle sand blasting and acid etching (SLA) technology, and then the obtained SLA-TA4 was treated by single surface treatments such as alkali-heat, ultraviolet light and plasma bombardment. According to the experimental results, alkali-heat treatment is the best treatment method to improve and maintain surface hydrophilicity of titanium. Then, the nanowire network morphology of titanium surface and its biological property, formed by further surface treatments on the basis of alkali-heat treatment, were investigated. Through the cell adhesion experiment of mouse embryonic osteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1), the ability of titanium material to support cell adhesion and cell spreading was investigated after different surface treatments. The mechanism of biological activity difference of titanium surface formed by different surface treatments was investigated according to the contact angle, pit depth and roughness of the titanium sheet surface. The results showed that the SLA-TA4 titanium sheet after a treatment of alkali heat for 10 h and ultraviolet irradiation for 1 h has the best biological activity and stability. From the perspective of improving surface bioactivity of medical devices, this study has important reference value for relevant researches on surface treatment of titanium implantable medical devices.
Objective To study the reconstruction method and effectiveness of titanium plate and Teflon patch for the chest wall after resection of sternal tumors. Methods Between October 2006 and November 2009, 4 patients with sternal tumors were treated and the thoracic cages were reconstructed. There were 2 males and 2 females, aged 30-55 years. The patientswere admitted because of chest lump or pain. The sizes of palpable lump ranged from 4 cm × 3 cm to 10 cm × 8 cm. CT examination showed bone destruction. After sternal tumor resection, defect size ranged from 10 cm × 8 cm to 18 cm × 14 cm, and titanium plate and Teflon patch were used to repair and reconstruct the chest wall defect. Results The operations of the tumor resection and reconstruction of chest wall defect were successfully performed in 4 cases. Incisions healed by first intention with no abnormal breath, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, and infection. One case failed to be followed up after 6 months; 1 case died of intracranial hemorrhage; and 2 cases were followed up 1 and 4 years respectively without tumor recurrence. The chest wall had good remodel ing. No loosening and exposure of titanium plate, difficulty in breathing, chest distress, and chest pain were observed during followup. Conclusion Surgical resection of sternal tumors will cause large chest wall defect which can be repaired by titanium plate and Teflon patch because it had the advantages of easy operation, satisfactory remodel ing, and less compl ication.
Objective To evaluate the reliability and the advantageof canal laminoplasty with laminoplasty over laminectomy for treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis.Methods From June 2000 to September 2004, the titanium miniplate fixation technique was applied to re-implantation of the vertebral lamina in the lumbar spine. The vertebral lamina was made with a specially made osteotome and a special technique in 18 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Results The patients were followed up for 1 yr and 8 mon on average (range, 3 mon4 yr and 3 mon) and were observed to have a bony fusion of the re-implanted lamina 3-9 months postoperatively. There was no nonunion, displacement of the re-implanted lamina, overgrowth of the anterior bone edge of osteotomy, recompression of the nerves or instability of the lumbar spine. Conclusion The result demonstrates that canal laminoplasty with the titanium miniplate re-implantation of the vertebral lamina in lumbar spine can restore the normal anatomy, keep stability of the spine, and avoid adhesion and scar in the canal.
In recent years, bone implant materials such as titanium and titanium alloys have been widely used in the biomedical field due to their excellent mechanical properties and good biocompatibility. However, in clinical practice, bacterial adhesion to the material surface and postoperative infection issues may lead to implantation failure. Based on the antibacterial mechanism, this review elaborated on the antibacterial surface design of titanium implants from the aspects of anti-bacterial adhesion, contact sterilization and photocontrol sterilization. Surface modification of titanium or titanium-based alloy implants with different techniques can inhibit bacteria and promote osseointegration. Thus, the application range of multifunctional titanium-based implants in the field of orthopedics will be expanded.
ObjectiveTo study the efficacy of anterior cervical Vectra-t dynamic plate and titanium mesh for cervical spondylosis. MethodsA retrospectively analysis involving 20 cases (44 sections) from June 2010 to October 2012 was performed in the department of orthopaedic in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. All patients received the operation of anterior cervical vertebral resection decompression, titanium mesh and bone graft, and Vectra-T plate. The data of the JOA scores, cervical curvature, the conditions of vertebral body fusion after bone graft and the situation of titanium mesh subsidence were all collected. Statistical analysis were performed using SPSS 19.0 software. Resultsa) All the 20 cases received a 12-to 30-month follow-up. The results of statistical analysis showed that:the JOA scores were as follows:7.68±1.66 for preoperative, 10.91±1.97 for after surgery and 12.74±1.27 for the endpoint of follow-up, and significant differences were found between these scores (P < 0.05). b) There was no loose of screw or plate. The local cervical angle and regional cervical angle were improved after surgery. In the 44 segments of fusion, 43 segments fused within 6 months, one of the segment delayed to fuse 12 months after surgery. c) The subsidence of titanium mesh were 2.7±2.7 mm on average in 3 months after surgery, 3.6±1.0 mm on average in 6 months after surgery, 3.9±1.2 mm on average in 12 months after surgery and 4.0±1.2 mm on average in last follow-up. Titanium mesh subsidence mainly concentrated in the postoperative period of 6 months. After six months of titanium mesh subsidence was no longer apparent. ConclusionThe application of Vectra-T dynamic plate can effectively improve the curvature of the cerical sagittal position, prevent protrusion deformity, reduce the related complications after bone graft, effectively avoid the stress shelter in the static plate, andspromote the fusion between the cervical vertebral bodies. However, the long-term curative effects are still needed to be assessed by large sample randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up.
Objective To compare the clinical effects of treating prolapse of the cervical intervertebral disc by the Solis cage fusion, the titanium cage fusion or the autogenous iliac crest graft combined with the titanium plate fixation. Methods Sixty-four patients with prolapse of the cervical intervertebral discadmitted to hospital from February 2002 to May 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. In Group A, 20 patients (15 males and 5 females, aged 38.76 years, 30 intervertebral spaces) were treated with the Solis cage fusion, and the preoperative JOAscores were 9-16, averaged 11.4; in Group B, 21 patients (15 males and 6 females,aged 37-78 years, 23 intervertebral spaces) were treated with the titanium cagefusion, and the preoperative JOA scores were 8-13, averaged 10.1; in Group C, 23 patients (18 males and 5 females, aged 32-76 years, 28 intervertebral spaces)were treated with the autogenous iliac crest graft combined with the titanium plate fixation, and the preoperative JOA scores were 9-14, averaged 10.6. The comparative analysis was made among the 3 groups in the following aspects: X-ray exposure time, time working on the iliac bone, operation time, hemorrhage amount，complication incidence after operation, cervical vertebral fusion rate, symptom relief rate, and recovery rate of the JOA score. Results According to the follow-upfor 2-15 months averaged 12 months, the time working on the iliac bone was longer in Group C than in Groups A and B (11.5±2.4 vs 4.1±1.7 minand 4.2±1.9 min, P＜0.05); the operation time was longer in Group C than in Groups A and B (98.3±14.7 min vs 55.5±10.3 min and 56.8±12.6 min, P＜0.05); and the X-ray exposure time was longer in Group C than in Groups A and B (7.8±1.8 min vs 4.3±1.2 min and 4.2±1.3 min, P＜0.05). Also, the hemorrhage amount in Group C was much greater than in Groups A and B (145.8±19.3 ml vs 65.8±10.2 ml and 67.2±12.3 ml,P＜0.05). The postoperative complication rate was lower in Groups A and Bthan in Group C (P＜0.05). There was a significant difference in the complication rate in the cervical region between Group A (5.0%±1.8%) and Group B (14.3%±2.6%,Plt;0.05）. The fusion rate in Groups A and B was 100% 3-4 monthsafteroperation, and there was no difference when compared with that in Group C. The recovery rates of the JOA scores in the three groups were 81.9%±3.2%，78.9%±7.3%, and 76.3%±9.4%, respectively, and there was no significant difference among the three groups. Conclusion The Solis cage fusion has a better therapeutic effect in treating prolapse of the cervical intervertebral disc than the titanium cage fusion and the autogenous iliac crest graft combined with the titanium plate fixation. The Solis cage fusion also makes the operation easier, with a more rapid recovery rate and fewer postoperative complications in the patient.