Histological techniques for the study of the biomaterial-tissue interface of total joint replacements — a modification for the preservation of bone cement

✍ Scribed by V. L. Fornasier; G. Sanders; Dr. S. B. Goodman

• Publisher: Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
• Year: 1992
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 447 KB
• Volume: 3
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1045-4861
• DOI: 10.1002/jab.770030110

✦ Synopsis

The methods usually employed for the histological processing of orthopaedic specimens of cemented joint arthroplasties involve treatment with methacrylate monomer and organic solvents which dissolve the polymethylmethacrylate cement. This may distort the intimate relationship of the cell layers along the surface of the interface between the bone and the cemented implant. The authors report on a technique for the processing and embedding of cemented orthopaedic implants which permits preservation of the polymethylmethacrylate cement. The method utilizes a modification of Spurr's low viscosity epoxy resin and avoids the use of solvents such as acetone. Undecalcified sections of cemented joint replacements from animal studies and human specimens have been prepared using this method. It is possible to use these sections for detailed histomorphologic and histomorphometric analysis of bone tissue and of the soft tissue membrane adjacent to the polymethylmethacrylate cement.

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