Biomedical subjects

W R Walsh

Publications and source records attributed to W R Walsh.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

BMP-7 and CBFA1 in allograft bone in vivo bone formation and the influence of gamma-irradiation.

An initial study showed that morselized human bone grafts were osteoconductive and osteoinductive when implanted in nude rat tibial window defects, and 25 kGy of gamma-irradiation significantly reduced those properties. The mechanism of the osteoinductivity and the influence of gamma-irradiation required further investigation. In this study we assessed the paraffin sections of seven morselized human bone grafts implanted into rat tibial defects for 3 weeks after being treated with 0, 15, or 25 kGy gamma-radiation respectively. Osteoclast-like cell counting and protein expressions of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7), core binding factor alpha1 (CBFA1), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were investigated and the positive signals were quantitatively analyzed. More new bone formation was observed in the 0 and 15 kGy groups compared with 25 kGy groups. The newly formed bones were found mainly from the intact cortex into the defects bridged by the implanted grafts. A dense staining of BMP-7 and CBFA1 was noted in the osteoblast-like cells in those areas. The BMP-7 and CBFA1 staining was also seen in the cells surrounding the implanted grafts in the centre areas of the defects in distance from the intact cortex. Quantitative analysis of immunohistochemical staining of the centre areas of the defects showed that gamma-irradiation (15 and 25 kGy) significantly reduced the expression of CBFA1 and BMP-7. In conclusion, morselized human bone grafts may contain some factors, which induced osteoblast lineage differentiation and bone formation and gamma-irradiation damages those bone inducing factors.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Effect of suture material on gap formation and failure in type 1 FDP avulsion repairs in a cadaver model.

BACKGROUND: An in vitro cyclical testing simulating a passive mobilisation protocol was used to compare repair of flexor digitorum profundus tendon with modified-Bunnell two-strand pullout technique using a monofilament (Prolene), braided polyester (Ethibond) and a synthetic polyfilament ensheathed by caprolactan (Supramid) sutures. METHODS: Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaveric fingers were randomly divided into three repair groups (n = 6); modified-Bunnell technique with 3/0 Prolene, Ethibond or Supramid. After repair, specimens were cyclically loaded from 2 to 15N at 5N/s, for a total of 500 cycles. Gap formation at the tendon-bone interface was assessed every 100 cycles. Samples were tested to failure at the completion of 500 cycles. FINDINGS: All sutures held in all specimens during cyclic testing. The gap formation after 500 cycles was greatest with Prolene suture (6.8 mm, SD 1.2) followed by Supramid suture (4.0 mm, SD 1.1) and Ethibond suture (1.7 mm, SD 1.7) (P < 0.05). Repairs with Supramid displayed higher failure load (52.7 N, SD 5.5) as compared to Prolene (37.6N, SD 4.7) (P = 0.001) but not compared to Ethibond (44.9 N, SD 7.1). The failure loads between Prolene and Ethibond did not differ (P = 0.130). INTERPRETATION: Gap formation with Ethibond was significantly lower compared to Supramid and Prolene. The four strand nature of the Supramid repair was superior to Prolene but did not differ compared to Ethibond with respect to failure load. Prolene is the least favourable suture when considering gap formation and failure load, while Ethibond is the most favourable.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

The effect of mitek anchor insertion angle to attachment of FDP avulsion injuries.

Flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon avulsions, although uncommon, are not infrequent injuries. A widely accepted method of treating Type 1 FDP avulsions is a pullout suture tied over a button on the nail plate. The external dorsal button is often a source of inconvenience for the patient. Potential risks associated with button use include nail plate deformities, nail fold necrosis and infections tracking along the sutures. The use of small suture anchors provides a satisfactory alternative, because buried fixation avoids these potential complications. This in vitro, biomechanical study examined the influence of the anchor orientation on the properties of the repaired FDP tendon using human cadavers.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Flexor tendon pulley V-Y plasty: an alternative to pulley venting or resection.

Zone 2 flexor tendon repairs can require "venting" or partial resection of the A2 and/or A4 pulleys. We propose and biomechanically assess a technique used by the authors in which the A2 and A4 pulleys are divided and repaired using a V-Y plasty. Two groups of cadaveric fingers were used, one group for assessing the A2 pulley and the second for assessing the A4 pulley. Prepared fingers were mounted onto custom-made jigs, tested using a servohydraulic testing machine and assessed for load to failure. The loads obtained were 75 N (SD = 26 N) and 234 N (SD = 73 N) for the A4 and A2 pulleys, respectively. These loads are well in excess of those one would anticipate during a postoperative active mobilization protocol. Tendon pulley V-Y plasty creates a mechanically sound pulley and maintains sufficient cover of the underlying tendon. This technique provides access to perform a tendon repair and/or permits free tendon gliding post-repair, thus providing an attractive alternative to simply "venting", or resecting, an otherwise troublesome pulley.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed2005

Computational bone remodelling simulations and comparisons with DEXA results.

Femoral periprosthetic bone loss following total hip replacement is often associated with stress shielding. Extensive bone resorption may lead to implant or bone failure and complicate revision surgery. In this study, an existing strain-adaptive bone remodelling theory was modified and combined with anatomic three-dimensional finite element models to predict alterations in periprosthetic apparent density. The theory incorporated an equivalent strain stimulus and joint and muscle forces from 45% of the gait cycle. Remodelling was simulated for three femoral components with different design philosophies: cobalt-chrome alloy, two-thirds proximally coated; titanium alloy, one-third proximally coated; and a composite of cobalt-chrome surrounded by polyaryletherketone, fully coated. Theoretical bone density changes correlated significantly with clinical densitometry measurements (DEXA) after 2 years across the Gruen zones (R2>0.67, p<0.02), with average differences of less than 5.4%. The results suggest that a large proportion of adaptive bone remodelling changes seen clinically with these implants may be explained by a consistent theory incorporating a purely mechanical stimulus. This theory could be applied to pre-clinical testing of new implants, investigation of design modifications, and patient-specific implant selection.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2005

No effect of a type I collagen gel coating in uncemented implant fixation.

Uncemented joint replacement with a variety of substrate materials, structures, and coatings are commonplace in arthroplasty. Even with specialized surgical preparation of bone, intimate contact between the implant and host bone may not always be achieved. This study evaluated the in vivo effect of fibrillar atelopeptide and PEG crosslinked collagens coatings placed directly into porous sintered bead structures on bone ingrowth using a skeletally mature bicortical, bilateral ovine tibia model. Bone ingrowth into the implants increased with time, although differences were not significant. At 4 weeks woven bone was present within the pores that remodeled with time. Significantly lower levels of ingrowth were observed in the intramedullary region of the implants when compared with the cortical region. Implant metal type did not affect ingrowth in both regions analyzed. Both fibrillar and crosslinked forms of dermal type I collagen did not significantly alter bone ingrowth.

Alloys↗

PubMed2005

Radiofrequency energy effects on the mechanical properties of tendon and capsule.

PURPOSE: To compare the mechanical properties of tendon and capsule after radiofrequency (RF) energy treatment. TYPE OF STUDY: An in vitro study. METHODS: RF energy was applied to ovine extensor tendon and human cadaveric glenohumeral capsule varying in the treatment wattage and time (5, 10, or 20 W for 10 or 30 seconds). The associated tissue length changes and dynamic and failure properties of the tissues were investigated using a materials testing machine. RESULTS: Length changes in the 2 tissues were comparable across the range of treatment settings used with both increases in the treatment wattage and time increasing the amount of tissue shrinkage observed. However, tendon showed greater changes in its mechanical properties after RF treatment, with significant decreases in the failure properties of the tissue as well as the dynamic and static stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: RF treatment shrinks collagenous tissues in a progressive manner correlated to the treatment wattage. However, it has different effects on the mechanical properties of tendon and capsule with the properties of tendinous tissues dramatically reduced. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: RF treatment has been shown to effect the mechanical properties of different collagenous tissues differently; therefore, it must be used specifically and with caution around areas of mixed tissue origin.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Comparison of zone II flexor tendon repairs using an in vitro linear cyclic testing protocol.

BACKGROUND: This study used in vitro cyclic testing protocol to examine the dynamic properties from a survivorship point of view for a modified Kessler core suture with a running epitenon suture, a modified Kessler core suture with a cross-stitched epitenon suture and a 4-strand Savage core suture with a running epitenon suture. METHODS: A survivorship analysis using in vitro dynamic mechanical testing was performed using 20 N and 33 N with 500 cycles to simulate early rehabilitation. The gap formation was recorded by direct measurement with an electronic calliper every 100 cycles at the point of lowest force during the cycle at the site of greatest gap formation. Results were analysed using a log rank test for survival analysis and the relative risk of deterioration calculated. FINDINGS: No significant increased risk of gap formation was noted for the Kessler with a cross-stitched epitenon over the standard Kessler repair. A significant decrease in the risk of significant gap formation in the Savage repair over the two Kessler repairs (>10-fold difference in the standard (P < 0.01) and > 7-fold in the cross-stitched (P < 0.05) was found. INTERPRETATION: The survivorship testing protocol found the Savage repair to be superior to the other methods under dynamic loading. Survival curves and relative risks provide a unique way to assess the properties of different repair techniques.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Evaluation of a bioabsorable polylactide film in a large animal model for the reduction of retrosternal adhesions.

OBJECTIVES: An adult pig model of retrosternal adhesion formation via an inferior hemisternotomy was used to evaluate the formation and development of pericardial and retrosternal adhesions, as well as adhesion reduction using two thicknesses of a bioabsorbable polylactide film. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five adult female pigs (70 kg) were allocated to either a control group or four different treatments using two thicknesses (0.02 or 0.05 mm) of a polylactide film. In each animal, the film was placed either inside the pericardium or inside and outside the pericardium. RESULTS: All animals demonstrated adhesions between the posterior and lateral surfaces of the heart and pericardium. Thick fibrous retrosternal adhesions and pericardial adhesions were noted in the control animals with complete obliteration of the anatomical plane. The polylactide films preserved the anatomical planes and reduced the adhesion response. CONCLUSIONS: A reproducible animal model was used to examine the formation and reduction of retrosternal and pericardial adhesions. A polylactide film placed inside the pericardium or between the heart and sternum was able to limit adhesion formation and maintain the anatomical planes, which would facilitate reentry.

Absorbable Implants↗

PubMed2004

Cemented fixation with PMMA or Bis-GMA resin hydroxyapatite cement: effect of implant surface roughness.

Implant surface roughness is an important parameter governing the overall mechanical properties at the implant-cement interface. This study investigated the influence of surface roughness using polymethylmethcrylate (PMMA) and a Bisphenol-a-glycidylmethacyrlate resin-hydroxyapatite cement (CAP). Mechanical fixation at the implant-cement interface was evaluated in vitro using static shear and fatigue loading with cobalt chrome alloy (CoCr) dowels with different surface roughness preparations. Increasing surface roughness improved the mechanical properties at the implant-cement interface for both types of cement. CAP cement fixation was superior to PMMA under static and dynamic loading.

Alloys↗

PubMed2004

In vivo evaluation of resorbable bone graft substitutes in a rabbit tibial defect model.

Calcium sulfate as a bone graft substitute is rapidly resorbed in vivo releasing calcium ions but fails to provide long-term three-dimensional framework to support osteoconduction. The setting properties of calcium sulfate however allow it to be applied in a slurry form making it easier to handle and apply in different situations. This study examines the in vivo response of calcium sulfate alone and as a carrier for a coralline hydroxyapatite in an established bilateral corticocancellous defect model in rabbits. Defects were filled flush to the anterior cortex with a resorbable porous ceramic alone and in combination with calcium sulfate slurry, calcium sulfate slurry alone or calcium sulfate pellets and examined at time points up to 52 weeks. Specimens where assessed using Faxitron X-ray, light and electron microscopy. Calcium sulfate in either slurry or pellet form does indeed support new bone formation alone however, complete filling of the bone defect is not observed. Calcium sulfate in slurry form does however improve the surgical handling of particulate bone graft substitutes such as Pro Osteon 200 R, which remained as an osteoconductive scaffold for up to 52 weeks and may have played an important role in the ultimate closure of the cortical windows.

Absorbable Implants↗

PubMed2004

Plating of metacarpal fractures: unicortical or bicortical screws?

Mid-shaft transverse osteotomies were performed in 18 cadaveric metacarpals and randomly divided into two groups. Using dorsally applied plates for repair, one group was secured using 6mm unicortical screws, while bicortical screws were used in the second group. The metacarpals were tested to failure with a four-point bending protocol using a servo-hydraulic testing machine and a 1kN load cell. The mean load to failure was 596N (SD=142) for the unicortical and 541N (SD=171) for the bicortical group. The stiffness was 333N/mm (SD=116) for the unicortical and 458N/mm (SD=158) for the bicortical group. Both load to failure and stiffness were not statistically significant between the two groups. Failure occurred by fracture at the screw-bone interface in all specimens: no screw pull-out was observed. No biomechanical advantage was found when using bicortical screws in metacarpal fracture plating.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Boundary conditions at the tendon-bone interface.

The reconstruction of a tendon-bone interface, as in rotator-cuff repairs, remains a challenging surgical problem. There is however, little data to show what effect joint position or repair loading under physiological conditions have on the repaired tendon-bone interface. A change in the amount of contact area or load at the tendon-bone interface may influence healing. In this study we investigated the effect of limb position and boundary conditions on the tendon-bone interface in an in vitro rabbit tendon-bone repair model using both unlinked and linked suture repairs.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

The effect of two nonresorbable suture types on the mechanical performance over a metal suture anchor eyelet.

An understanding of the mechanical properties of different suture materials is valuable when selecting the most appropriate suture and repair technique. Sutures should be strong, easy to handle and have high knot security. The introduction of suture anchors adds an additional variable regarding the effect of stress risers over the eyelet. Improving the mechanical properties of a suture may be a possible method to help avoid failure over stress risers such as the eyelet of suture anchor. This study examined the static and viscoelastic properties of a new polyethylene based non-resorbable suture (Fibrewire) over the eyelet of a standard anchor compared to braid polyester non-resorbable suture (Ethibond). Fibrewire had superior ultimate load properties compared to Ethibond (360.2 N+/-23.8 vs 191.9 N+/-17.3) as well as greater stiffness (61.3 N/mm+/-9.7 vs 8.1 N/mm+/-0.4) when tested in uniaxial tension through a metal anchor eyelet (Mitek) ( p<0.001). Fibrewire demonstrated greater stress relaxation than Ethibond ( p<0.05). Differences in the static and viscoelastic properties of suture may have implications in the post-operative period or during rehabilitation.

Equipment Failure Analysis↗

PubMed2003

Mechanical properties of the rotator cuff: response to cyclic loading at varying abduction angles.

The rotator cuff is loaded under static as well as dynamic conditions. Whilst the static properties of the rotator cuff muscle-tendon junctions have been reported, the dynamic mechanical behaviour has not. This study reports the dynamic mechanical properties with varying abduction angles in a human cadaver rotator cuff. No significant effect was found with varying the angle of testing or in the presence of a tear in the tendon. The supraspinatus was found to be the stiffest of the rotator cuff tendons followed by the subscapularis and infraspinatus.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

A novel method for measuring medial compartment pressures within the knee joint in-vivo.

A novel method for the measurement of knee joint forces in-vivo is described. A thin (0.2mm) flexible electronic pressure sensor was inserted through a narrow arthroscopic portal into the osteoarthritic medial compartment of the knee joint. The sensor partially covered the load bearing area. The surgery was performed under local anaesthetic during normal arthroscopic examination following patient consent. Results are presented for 11 patients. The method was used in a pilot study to assess the effects of four valgus knee braces on medial compartment forces. An analysis of variance could not detect un-loading by any brace although there were large variations in force output. These variations may be attributable to shifts in the sensor position. In-vivo measurement of joint force is technically feasible.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2003

A resorbable porous ceramic composite bone graft substitute in a rabbit metaphyseal defect model.

The success of converted corals as a bone graft substitute relies on a complex sequence of events of vascular ingrowth, differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells, bone remodeling and graft resorption occurring together with host bone ingrowth into and onto the porous coralline microstructure or voids left behind during resorption. This study examined the resorption rates and bone infiltration into a family of resorbable porous ceramic placed bilaterally in critical sized defects in the tibial metaphyseal-diaphyseal of rabbits. The ceramics are made resorbable by partially converting the calcium carbonate of corals to form a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer on all surfaces. Attempts have been made to control the resorption rate of the implant by varying the HA thickness. New bone was observed at the periosteal and endosteal cortices, which flowed into the centre of the defect supporting the osteoconductive nature of partially converted corals. The combination of an HA layer and calcium carbonate core provides a composite bone graft substitute for new tissue integration. The HA-calcium carbonate composite demonstrated an initial resorption of the inner calcium carbonate phase but the overall implant resorption and bone ingrowth behaviour did not differ with HA thickness.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

In vitro assessment of proximal polyethylene contact surface areas and stresses in mobile bearing knees.

Wear of the polyethylene (PE) insert in total knee arthroplasty remains a significant problem. The generation of biologically active wear particles may ultimately affect implant longevity through osteolysis or premature/catastrophic PE failure. The rate and pattern of wear is influenced by many factors, including component geometry and individual loading conditions, which determine the contact surface area and kinematics of the reconstructed knee. Contact areas and stresses at the proximal femoral-PE insert interface and distal PE-tibial interface contact surface areas were measured in nine mobile bearing total knee designs at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 110 degrees of flexion at 3600 N (5 x body weight) using a standardized test method. Proximal and, to a lesser degree, distal interface contact area footprints decreased significantly with increasing flexion angle based on the conformity of the designs, resulting in a corresponding increase in the mean and peak stresses.

Elasticity↗