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J Lemaître

Publications and source records attributed to J Lemaître.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Mechanical characterization of brushite and hydroxyapatite cements.

Compression, tension and torsion tests were designed and completed successfully on a brushite and a precipitated hydroxyapatite cement in moist condition. Elastic and strength properties were measured for these three loading cases. For each cement, the full set of strength data was fitted to an isotropic Tsai-Wu criterion and the associated coefficients identified. Since the compressive Young's moduli were about 10% larger than the tensile moduli, the full set of elastic data of each cement was fitted to a conewise linear elastic model. Hysteresis of the stress-strain curves was also observed, indicating dissipation mechanisms within these cement microstructures. A comparison of the measured mechanical properties with human cancellous bone confirmed the indication of brushite as a bone filling material and the potential of the hydroxyapatite cement as a structural biomaterial.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Mechanical characterization of brushite cements: a Mohr circles' approach.

Dry and wet brushite cements with various solid/liquid ratios were tested in compression and tension. Two different testing techniques were used to determine tensile strength: Direct Tensile test (DT) and Diametral Compression test (DC) (Brazilian test), which is an indirect way of measuring tensile strength on brittle materials. Statistical analysis of the results obtained on dry cements points out a constant ratio between the values measured by DT and Brazilian tests (DC/DT = 85%). The Mohr's circles representation allows us to understand that, for a material like our cement, ultimate stress measured with the Brazilian test can only underestimate tensile strength, because the compressive/tensile strength ratio is lower than 8. The second consequence of this low ratio is that, in the Brazilian test, the plane along which fracture initiates undergoes not only a normal tensile stress, but also a tangential stress component. Thus, the state of stress on the fracture plane differs from the one taking place in the direct tensile test. Consequently, with such a material (sigma(c)/sigma(t) < 8), the Brazilian test does not estimate the true tensile strength.

Algorithms↗

Control of gentamicin release from a calcium phosphate cement by admixed poly(acrylic acid).

The aim of this work was to develop a calcium phosphate cement (CPC) providing controlled release of the antibiotic gentamicin sulfate (GS) over at least 1 week. The CPC was made of beta-tricalcium phosphate [beta-TCP; beta-Ca(3)(PO(4))(2)], monocalcium phosphate monohydrate [MCPM; Ca(H(2)PO(4))(2). H(2)O] and water. Release of GS was controlled by admixture of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). The effects on the GS release kinetics of the molecular weight of PAA, of the amount of admixed PAA, and of the pH of the release medium were investigated. A typical cement sample weighed 3.6 g and contained 100 mg of GS and between 0 and 150 mg of PAA. In the following, PAA content is expressed as the weight ratio, lambda, with respect to GS. At a low PAA content in the CPC (lambda < 0.7), GS was released over 1-2 days according to a square-root-of-time kinetics, but not all GS was released. The unreleased GS fraction increased from 0 to 58% with an increase of PAA content (up to lambda = 0.7). At high PAA content (lambda > 0.7), GS was released over a period of up to 8 days according to a combination of a square-root-of-time and a zero-order kinetics. The total GS fraction released increased again from 58 to 100% with an increase of the amount of PAA (up to lambda = 1.5). These observations were explained by molecular interaction between PAA and GS resulting in gel formation. The maximum fraction of GS released from the cement was indeed a function of the solubility of the PAA-GS (coacervate) complex in the release medium. Thus, GS release was controlled by two mechanisms: (1) diffusion of free GS molecules through the porous cement (square-root-of-time kinetics); and (2) dissociation of GS from the PAA-GS complex (zero-order kinetics). The first mechanism was predominant at low lambda, whereas the second mechanism became important at high lambda and later release times. As the solubility of the PAA-GS complex decreased with an increase in PAA molecular weight, the higher molecular weight PAA yielded more prolonged release periods of up to 8 days. Interestingly, the use of 450 kDa PAA at lambda = 1.00 provided an almost constant release profile over a period of 7 days. Gel formation between PAA and GS was explained in terms of hydrogen bonding of PAA carboxyl groups with GS amino groups. The molar ratio between carboxyl groups and amino groups in the gel was estimated to be approximately 1.9. In conclusion, admixture of PAA into calcium phosphate cement appeared to be a very elegant tool to control the release of the antibiotic over a period of 7 to 8 days.

Acrylic Resins↗

Histological and biomechanical studies of two bone colonizable cements in rabbits.

We have developed two colonizable bone cements: the first is a partially resorbable bisphenol-alpha-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA)-based cement (PRC) and the second is a calcium phosphate cement (CPC). PRC is composed of aluminous silanized ceramic and particles of a bioresorbable polymer embedded in a matrix of Bis-GMA. CPC consisted of tricalcium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate monohydrate, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, and xanthane. Both cements were implanted into cavities drilled in rabbit femoral and tibial condyles. After 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks of implantation, histological observations and biomechanical tests were performed. With CPC, a progressive osteointegration with a concomitant biodegradation in the presence of macrophages were observed. The mechanical study revealed a decrease of the compressive strength until the 4th week, followed by a slight increase. There was a general decrease in the elastic modulus with time. Moreover, by week 4, the histological study showed that the new bone was in direct contact with CPC margins. No inflammation was observed during the observation period. With PRC, the osteointegration as well as the biodegradation were slight, but its compressive strength was higher than that of cancellous bone and CPC (p < 0.05) at all observation periods. Its elastic modulus was greater than that of cancellous bone and CPC until the 4th week, then fell under the values of the cancellous bone.

Animals↗

Raman microspectrometry studies of brushite cement: in vivo evolution in a sheep model.

Calcium phosphate hydraulic cements are promising synthetic bone grafting materials. Brushite-based cements were implanted for 6 and 12 months in the distal condyle of sheep femur, and their in vivo evolution was investigated by Raman microspectrometry. This new technique can probe small volumes in the cubic micrometer range. Its resolution allows a very fine analysis of crystalline changes in calcium phosphate mixtures at the microscopic level. First, Raman spectra of pure brushite, monetite, and beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) were recorded, in order to set a data base for the basic components of brushite cements. These spectra show significant differences in the vibration mode v1 for the phosphate ion (988 and 878 cm(-1) for brushite, 988 and 900 cm(-1) for monetite, 968 and 948 cm(-1) for beta-TCP). These differences are strong enough as to allow the qualitative and quantitative analysis of these crystalline phases in the cement. Implanted sheep femur samples were harvested after 24 and 52 weeks post-op, and prepared for Raman analysis in the form of 1-mm-thick sections. Implants at 24 weeks show a core of residual cement isolated from the surrounding bone by fibroconnective tissue. No trace of brushite was detected by micro-Raman analysis in this area, but instead, a mixture of beta-TCP and Type-B carbonated apatite, the latter being very close in composition and structure to the mineral fraction of normal bone in the vicinity of the implant. Implants recovered after 52 weeks show a decrease of the bone/residual cement perimeter, whereas new trabeculations are formed in the implanted zone; the small amounts of residual cement still present are substantially transformed into Type-B carbonated apatite containing small amounts of proteins. In the same area, some beta-TCP particles are also detected showing that, contrary to brushite, the excess beta-TCP originally present in the cement is not completely metabolized. In the implanted zone already converted into trabecular bone, Raman microspectrometry shows the characteristic spectrum of normal bone.

Animals↗

Reinforcement of osteosynthesis screws with brushite cement.

The fixation of osteosynthesis screws remains a severe problem for fracture repair among osteoporotic patients. Polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) is routinely used to improve screw fixation, but this material has well-known drawbacks such as monomer toxicity, exothermic polymerization, and nonresorbability. Calcium phosphate cements have been developed for several years. Among these new bone substitution materials, brushite cements have the advantage of being injectable and resorbable. The aim of this study is to assess the reinforcement of osteosynthesis screws with brushite cement. Polyurethane foams, whose density is close to that of cancellous bone, were used as bone model. A hole was tapped in a foam sample, then brushite cement was injected. Trabecular osteosynthesis screws were inserted. After 24 h of aging in water, the stripping force was measured by a pull-out test. Screws (4.0 and 6.5 mm diameter) and two foam densities (0.14 and 0.28 g/cm3) were compared. Cements with varying solid/liquid ratios and xanthan contents were used in order to obtain the best screw reinforcement. During the pull-out test, the stripping force first increases to a maximum, then drops to a steady-state value until complete screw extraction. Both maximum force and plateau value increase drastically in the presence of cement. The highest stripping force is observed for 6.5-mm screws reinforced with cement in low-density foams. In this case, the stripping force is multiplied by 3.3 in the presence of cement. In a second experiment, cements with solid/liquid ratio ranging from 2.0 to 3.5 g/mL were used with 6.5-mm diameter screws. In some compositions, xanthan was added to improve injectability. The best results were obtained with 2.5 g/mL cement containing xanthan and with 3.0 g/mL cements without xanthan. A 0.9-kN maximal stripping force was observed with nonreinforced screws, while 1.9 kN was reached with reinforced screws. These first results are very promising regarding screw reinforcement with brushite cement. However, the polyurethane foam model presents noninterconnected porosity and physiological liquid was not modelized.

Bone Cements↗

Volume effect on biological properties of a calcium phosphate hydraulic cement: experimental study in sheep.

Injectable calcium phosphate hydraulic cements (CPHC) are a new family of bone substitutes within the class of bone reconstruction biomaterials. In this work, CPHC were tested in two consistencies (preset blocks or liquid paste) in an experimental model of cancellous bone defect in sheep. The defects were eight times larger than those investigated previously in rabbits. Three delays (12, 24, and 52 weeks) were used. Before death, a double label of oxytetracycline and alizarine was made intravenously. The distribution of implants was randomized, histomorphometric evaluation was performed and compared with micrographic observation, and optical microscopy of stained sections was performed either under visible, ultraviolet, or polarized light. The results were compared with spontaneous healing of empty defects and with a control group of normal cancellous bone from sheeps of the same age. No significant difference has been observed between premolded and injected implants. In the sheep model, the degradation and new bone formation rates are three times slower, compared with those observed previously in rabbits. New bone formation increased from 5.9% (12 weeks) up to 11.0% (24 weeks) in the empty defect group. In the cement groups, 28.3% new bone was obtained at 12 weeks, which seemed then to level off (27.8% new bone at 24 weeks). Cement residues appear as radio-opaque cylinders on microradiographs. In all cases, a radiolucent layer was observed at the cement/bone interface at 24 weeks. Stained sections showed the formation of a fibroconnective capsule around the residual cement, which presumably slows down new bone formation. Nevertheless, quantitative bone remodeling was accelerated in the cement group; mineral apposition as well as adjusted apposition rates were higher, and the formation period as well as the mineralization of osteoid tissue were faster compared with empty cavities and controls. These results point to higher osteoblast activity and better exchange with surrounding tissues in the defects filled with cement.

Animals↗

Popliteal venous aneurysms. Report of a case and review of the literature.

Venous aneurysms are uncommon in the vascular pathology of the lower limb. They are more commonly encountered in the neck, thoracic veins and visceral veins. Involvement of the popliteal veins is not often encountered. These aneurysms often cause thrombosis and subsequently pulmonary embolism. Phlebography and duplex scanning give the most accurate diagnosis. As the risk of associated pulmonary embolism is high, elective surgery is recommended since it has been proven that proper anticoagulation treatment does not prevent the risk of pulmonary embolism.

Aneurysm↗

Biomechanical characterization of a biodegradable calcium phosphate hydraulic cement: a comparison with porous biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics.

Biomechanical properties of a biodegradable calcium phosphate hydraulic cement (CPHC) were tested with rabbits. The cement was composed of beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP), monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM), and calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH), beta-TCP-MCPM-CSH cement. Cylinders of 4.7 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length were put into bone cavities created in the distal epiphysis of femurs in rabbits. Cylinders of the same size of porous biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics (BCPC, 75% hydroxyapatite and 25% beta-TCP) were implanted as references. Two, 4, 12, and 16 weeks after the operation, the rabbits were sacrificed. Histomorphometry showed that the cement was resorbed, leaving only 7.67 +/- 1.81% of bone cavity after 12 weeks. Newly formed bone occupied 34.59 +/- 4.00% of the cavity. Cylindrical bone-material composites were cut out with a small dental burr. Compressive force was applied to the specimens and compressive strength, elastic modulus, and toughness were calculated. The same tests were performed on cylinders of normal bone from the same site, which served as controls. The compressive strength and the toughness of the cement-bone composite were higher than those of normal bone and porous ceramics 12 weeks after the operation (p < 0.05). At 16 weeks the compressive strength and the toughness returned to the normal bone values. The elastic modulus of the porous ceramic-bone composite was higher than the normal bone at 4, 12, and 16 weeks after surgery (p < 0.05). We found that the beta-TCP-MCPM-CSH cement is replaced by new bone and that the cement-new bone composite has similar or better mechanical properties than normal bone within 16 weeks. This study suggests the usefulness of a particular cement for filling bone defects or for temporary fixation of orthopedic implants.

Animals↗

Gentamicin-loaded hydraulic calcium phosphate bone cement as antibiotic delivery system.

A hydraulic calcium phosphate cement made of beta-tricalcium phosphate [beta-Ca3(PO4)2], monocalcium phosphate monohydrate [Ca(H2PO4)2-H2O], and water was used as a delivery system for the antibiotic gentamicin sulfate (GS). GS, added as powder or as aqueous solution, was very beneficial to the physicochemical properties of the cement. The setting time increased from 2 to 4.5 min with 3% (w/w) GS and then slowly decreased to 3.75 min with 16% (w/w) GS. The tensile strength increased from 0.4 to 1.6 MPa with 16% (w/w) GS. These effects were attributed to the presence of sulfate ions in GS. The release of GS from the cement was measured in a pH 7.4 phosphate-buffered saline solution at 37 degrees C by USP paddle method. Factors such as cement porosity, GS content and presence of sulfate ions or polymeric additives were investigated. The amount of GS released was roughly proportional to the square root of time up to approximately 50% release. Afterwards, the release rate markedly slowed down to zero. In all but two cement formulations, the total dose of GS was released within 7 days, indicating that no irreversible binding occurred between the cement paste and the antibiotic. When small amounts of hydroxypropylcellulose or poly(acrylic acid) were added to the cement, the maximum fraction released was a few percent lower than the total GS dose, suggesting some binding between the polymer and GS. The GS release rate was strongly influenced by the presence of sulfate ions in the cement paste and by the cement porosity. The higher the sulfate ion content of the cement paste, the lowe the GS release rate. This influence was attributed to the finer cement micro-structure induced by the presence of sulfate ions. Furthermore, when the initial cement porosity was increased from 38 to 69%, the release rate almost tripled (0.16 to 0.45 h-1/2). Finally, the biological activity of GS in the cement was maintained, as measured by assaying the release medium.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Resorption of, and bone formation from, new beta-tricalcium phosphate-monocalcium phosphate cements: an in vivo study.

Hard cylinders (4.7 x 10 mm) of two kinds of beta-tricalcium phosphate-monocalcium phosphate monohydrate-calcium sulfate hemihydrate (beta-TCP-MCPM-CSH) cements with and without beta-TCP granules (500-1000 microns) were implanted into holes drilled in rabbit femoral condyles for up to 16 weeks. Empty cavities were used as control. Cement resorption and new bone formation in the cylinders were evaluated with contact microradiography and quantified through an automatic image analysis system. At 4 weeks, both kinds of cement cylinders were surrounded by new bone. At 8 weeks, except for beta-TCP granules, both cement cylinders were almost completely resorbed and replaced by bone tissue. At 16 weeks the bone in the cavities of both cements recovered a trabecular pattern, but only the bone trabeculae in the initial cavity of the cement with beta-TCP granules became thick and mature. However, the cavities of the empty control were still empty and large. These results show that the beta-TCP-MCPM-CSH cements stimulate bone formation and are rapidly replaced by bone tissue. When added with nonresorbable beta-TCP granules, this cement maintains bone formation for a longer time.

Animals↗

Calcium phosphate cements: effect of fluorides on the setting and hardening of beta-tricalcium phosphate-dicalcium phosphate-calcite cements.

Increasing amounts of fluoride ions have been found to increase the setting and hardening rates of beta-tricalcium phosphate-dicalcium phosphate dihydrate-calcite cements. Thus, fluoride-containing cements reached a diametral strength of about 1.5 MPa after 15 d, but the fluoride-free reference sample reached only 0.45 MPa. The acceleration of setting and hardening is correlated to an increased rate of hydroxyapatite formation in the cement at the expense of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate and calcite. Adding monocalcium phosphate monohydrate and fluoride to the blends resulted in a marked decrease of their setting time from about 1 h down to 8 min, without greatly affecting their final strength.

Apatites↗

Calcium phosphate cements: study of the beta-tricalcium phosphate--dicalcium phosphate--calcite cements.

The setting and strengthening properties of beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP)--dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD)--calcite blends upon admixture with water were investigated at 25 and 37 degrees C. Setting was accelerated by seeding the system with hydroxyapatite (HAp), and strengthening improved when the solids were mixed with a solution saturated with DCPD and HAp. The relationship strength versus ageing time in wet conditions was correlated with mineralogical changes of the material. X-Ray diffraction, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy observations showed that DCPD and calcite react together to form small HAp crystals acting as bridges between the beta-TCP aggregates present in the paste. Both gaseous CO2 released by the reaction of calcite and the conversion of lower (DCPD, calcite) to higher-density phases (HAp) contributed to increase the porosity of the material. Nevertheless, quite acceptable diametral strengths (around 1.5 MPa) could be achieved, despite the high porosity of the hardened product (up to 54 vol%). After exhaustion of DCPD, calcite can react with beta-TCP to form further HAp, but this process is detrimental to the strength of the material. Both the mineralogical transformations, and the strengthening of the material were accelerated considerably upon increasing the ageing temperature.

Adhesives↗

Calcium phosphate cements: action of setting regulators on the properties of the beta-tricalcium phosphate-monocalcium phosphate cements.

Various additives were tested as setting retarders of the beta-tricalcium phosphate-monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (beta-TCP-MCPM) cements. Calcium pyrophosphate (CPP), calcium sulphate dihydrate (CSD) and calcium sulphate hemihydrate (CSH) were found to increase the setting time from 30 s to about 10 min. Moreover, the use of CSH resulted in a marked increase of the final diametral strength of the cement, which could be raised from 1 MPa to about 3 MPa. The best results were obtained when CSH and CPP were added together to the cement, while the addition of CSD and CPP alone only retarded the setting, without improving the final strength. A particular cement composition (64 wt% beta-TCP, 16 wt% MCPM, 15 wt% CSH and 5 wt% CPP), selected for its optimum final strength, was aged in vitro for 8 d at 37 degrees C in saline solution (0.9 wt% NaCl in water). After a moderate decrease, the diametral strength of the specimen was found to level off at about 60% of its initial value (3.2 MPa), for ageing times beyond 1 d. This behaviour has been ascribed to the progressive dissolution of the CSD fraction of the hardened cement, compensated by the crystallization of further amounts of DCPD.

Bone Cements↗