Bioactive scaffold for bone integration
As metallic prostheses come under growing scrutiny, non-metallic alternatives are emerging. EU funding enabled scientists to develop three different prototypes of ceramic - on - ceramic prostheses through the project 'Monoblock acetabular cup with trabecular-like coating' (MATCH) . Partner small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in coatings, industrial glass synthesis and biomechanical modelling joined forces to meet the multi-disciplinary challenge. The result was a state – of – the – art hip prosthesis forming a direct bond between acetabular cup and pelvis via biological fixation. The traditional ceramic socket (acetabular cup) is housed in a metal back to encourage osteoimplant integration. The team designed a ceramic cup anchored to the bone via a bioactive trabecular-like coating, a three-dimensional porous scaffold mimicking the structure of bone. An intermediate glass layer formed the interface between the cup and the coating. The patented technology was exploited in the three prototypes. Advantages of the ceramic coating compared to the metal are numerous including higher mobility, less cup wear and less risk of damage to the bone. The design will also enable a wider range of prosthetic sizes and induce less trauma during implantation. Partner SMEs have advanced their capabilities for glazing glasses on ceramic substrates and producing scaffolds and trabecular-like coatings. Patented technology will spur penetration of new markets. The many citizens undergoing hip replacements during their lifetimes will now have better outcomes and enhanced quality of life, growing older more comfortably and actively.
Keywords
Metallic, prostheses, ceramic, hip, acetabular cup, trabecular , scaffold