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Quantitative comparison of the histological effects of particulate polymethylmethacrylate versus polyethylene in the rabbit tibia

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Summary

Fourteen mature female New Zealand White rabbits underwent implantation of Simplex polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) powder or particulate (average 67 μn) ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) through a drill hole in the proximal right tibia. The left tibia functioned as a prepared but nonimplanted control. Animals were killed after 16 weeks. Histological examination of the bone-implant interface in the particulate PMMA group disclosed a florid foreign-body reaction with the presence of giant cells and histiocytes. The particulate UHMWPE group demonstrated positively bire-fringent UHMWPE fragments, rimmed by foreign-body giant cells and histiocytes, embedded in a loose connective tissue stroma. UHMWPE interfaces were thicker and contained more histiocytes and fibrocytes; PMMA interfaces contained more marrow cells and lymphocytes. This study underscores the importance of biomaterial debris in the process of aseptic loosening of cemented joint arthroplasties.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, 94305, Stanford, Ca, USA

    S. B. Goodman M.D. & J. Keil

  2. Department of Pathology, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Canada

    V. L. Fornasier

Authors
  1. S. B. Goodman M.D.
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  2. V. L. Fornasier
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  3. J. Keil
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Goodman, S.B., Fornasier, V.L. & Keil, J. Quantitative comparison of the histological effects of particulate polymethylmethacrylate versus polyethylene in the rabbit tibia. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 110, 123–126 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00395792

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00395792

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