A Novel Multi-Phosphonated Surface Treatment of Orthopaedic Implants: A Study in Sheep

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 14108.1;7 PFLS-LS

Short description (German)

A Novel Multi-Phosphonated Surface Treatment of Orthopaedic Implants: A Study in Sheep

Short description (English)

A Novel Multi-Phosphonated Surface Treatment of Orthopaedic Implants: A Study in Sheep

Abstract (German)

SurfLink® is a novel surface treatment resulting in a monolayer of phosphonated molecules covalently bound to metal oxide surfaces. In vitro and pre-clinical in vivo studies have shown that SurfLink® surface treatment enhances implant fixation and ossointegration at both early and long-term time points. SurfLink® surface treatment has been approved for dental and maxillofacial applications with titanium implants (CE mark was obtained in May 2011). SurfLink® application in the orthopaedic field requires further research. In particular a large animal study has been advised by key opinion leaders and orthopaedic surgeons prior to clinical studies. Aspects of osseointegration (bone-to-implant contact, new bone formation, biomechanical stability, implant bone covarage) will be assessed in a mechanically loaded sheep model comparing SurfLink® treated and control implants. Furthermore, the influence of surface characteristics on osseointegration will be investigated in a challenging situation using an unloaded gap system and comparing SurfLink® treated implants with control and hydroxyapatite (HA) coated implants which are the most used implant type in the orthopaedic market. 12 sheep and 60 implants will be used for the study.

Abstract (English)

SurfLink® is a novel surface treatment resulting in a monolayer of phosphonated molecules covalently bound to metal oxide surfaces. In vitro and pre-clinical in vivo studies have shown that SurfLink® surface treatment enhances implant fixation and ossointegration at both early and long-term time points. SurfLink® surface treatment has been approved for dental and maxillofacial applications with titanium implants (CE mark was obtained in May 2011). SurfLink® application in the orthopaedic field requires further research. In particular a large animal study has been advised by key opinion leaders and orthopaedic surgeons prior to clinical studies. Aspects of osseointegration (bone-to-implant contact, new bone formation, biomechanical stability, implant bone covarage) will be assessed in a mechanically loaded sheep model comparing SurfLink® treated and control implants. Furthermore, the influence of surface characteristics on osseointegration will be investigated in a challenging situation using an unloaded gap system and comparing SurfLink® treated implants with control and hydroxyapatite (HA) coated implants which are the most used implant type in the orthopaedic market. 12 sheep and 60 implants will be used for the study.