Innovative biomaterials for clinical applications in veterinary orthopedic and traumatology surgery

Recent developments in additive manufacturing and 3D printing have enabled the creation of 3D orthopedic structures using innovative materials. The silica-carbon-calcite scaffolds were 3D-printed, and their biological behaviors were examined in vitro in the first part of the thesis. According to the findings, carbon-based materials have excellent biocompatibility and can promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. This study proposes carbon as a valid candidate for constructing 3D bone scaffolds due to its exceptional biocompatibility and osteogenic properties. The 3D printing technology not only allows for the creation of 3D scaffolds with configurable architecture composed of innovative biomaterials, but it also allows for the customization of orthopedic implants for patient-specific applications in small animals. This subject is discussed in the second section of the thesis. The key aspects of 3D printing technology and 3D-printable materials have been reviewed. The most recent developments and the efficiency of 3D printing technology in developing anatomical models, patient-specific implants and instruments, and customized scaffolds for treating a range of complex orthopedic conditions in small animals have been covered. In addition, 3D printing provides the small animal orthopedic surgeon with a powerful tool to perform a patient-specific procedure with greater performance, precision, and cost-effectiveness. The thesis concluded with a presentation of a patient-specific surgery performed for correcting a complex antebrachial deformity in a dog. The computer-aided design method was used for pre-operative planning. A patient-specific guide was 3D-printed and used during the corrective osteotomy to improve the surgical precision and outcome. According to this case presentation, the convergence of computer-assisted and 3D printing technologies could be efficient for correcting canine antebrachial deformity. Further clinical trials are needed. Overall, 3D printing is emerging as a therapeutic technique that can improve various aspects of small animal orthopedics by rendering 3D patient-specific items composed of biomaterials.Recent developments in additive manufacturing and 3D printing have enabled the creation of 3D orthopedic structures using innovative materials. The silica-carbon-calcite scaffolds were 3D-printed, and their biological behaviors were examined in vitro in the first part of the thesis. According to the findings, carbon-based materials have excellent biocompatibility and can promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. This study proposes carbon as a valid candidate for constructing 3D bone scaffolds due to its exceptional biocompatibility and osteogenic properties. The 3D printing technology not only allows for the creation of 3D scaffolds with configurable architecture composed of innovative biomaterials, but it also allows for the customization of orthopedic implants for patient-specific applications in small animals. This subject is discussed in the second section of the thesis. The key aspects of 3D printing technology and 3D-printable materials have been reviewed. The most recent developments and the efficiency of 3D printing technology in developing anatomical models, patient-specific implants and instruments, and customized scaffolds for treating a range of complex orthopedic conditions in small animals have been covered. In addition, 3D printing provides the small animal orthopedic surgeon with a powerful tool to perform a patient-specific procedure with greater performance, precision, and cost-effectiveness. The thesis concluded with a presentation of a patient-specific surgery performed for correcting a complex antebrachial deformity in a dog. The computer-aided design method was used for pre-operative planning. A patient-specific guide was 3D-printed and used during the corrective osteotomy to improve the surgical precision and outcome. According to this case presentation, the convergence of computer-assisted and 3D printing technologies could be efficient for correcting canine antebrachial deformity. Further clinical trials are needed. Overall, 3D printing is emerging as a therapeutic technique that can improve various aspects of small animal orthopedics by rendering 3D patient-specific items composed of biomaterials

Study of bone regeneration of Graphene 3D-printed scaffolds in calvaria of rats: Preliminary phase of the study

embargoed_20261022In cases of bone loss, research for a material capable of replacing bone becomes important. 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds are emerging materials for bone tissue engineering. Graphene is a bioceramic material that is made up of hybridized carbon atoms. Our previous in vitro study showed excellent biocompatibility and osteoinductivity of the carbon-based scaffold, which encourages the application of this material in orthopedic or dental practice. However, a thorough in vivo study is needed to investigate bone cell responses to graphene in an animal model before clinical application. Therefore, in this project, we performed an in vivo study to evaluate the regenerative capacity of the 3D-printed graphene scaffolds in a model of rat calvaria. We designed and 3D-printed the scaffolds with high-porosity profiles. 20 rats were included in the study. We created two rounded-shaped critical-size defects (5 mm in diameter) on each rat's calvaria. Subsequently, one defect was filled with the 3D-printed graphene scaffold (test), and the other was left to fill with blood clots (control). The rats were euthanized at two different time points, and the samples were collected for future analysis. The preliminary results of the study affirmed the practicality of using PLA-graphene scaffolds in rat calvaria defects, achieved through precise 3D printing design. The macroscopic evaluation showcased effective integration with the surrounding bone, providing stability and displaying promising biocompatibility. Overall, the preliminary assessments hinted at positive outcomes. Yet, to fully confirm and comprehend the bone regeneration potential for clinical use, inclusive evaluations including micro-CT and histological analyses are currently proceeding. The regenerative capacity and the osseointegration capability of the scaffold material at the bone-scaffold interface are fundamental for concluding the study.In cases of bone loss, research for a material capable of replacing bone becomes important. 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds are emerging materials for bone tissue engineering. Graphene is a bioceramic material that is made up of hybridized carbon atoms. Our previous in vitro study showed excellent biocompatibility and osteoinductivity of the carbon-based scaffold, which encourages the application of this material in orthopedic or dental practice. However, a thorough in vivo study is needed to investigate bone cell responses to graphene in an animal model before clinical application. Therefore, in this project, we performed an in vivo study to evaluate the regenerative capacity of the 3D-printed graphene scaffolds in a model of rat calvaria. We designed and 3D-printed the scaffolds with high-porosity profiles. 20 rats were included in the study. We created two rounded-shaped critical-size defects (5 mm in diameter) on each rat's calvaria. Subsequently, one defect was filled with the 3D-printed graphene scaffold (test), and the other was left to fill with blood clots (control). The rats were euthanized at two different time points, and the samples were collected for future analysis. The preliminary results of the study affirmed the practicality of using PLA-graphene scaffolds in rat calvaria defects, achieved through precise 3D printing design. The macroscopic evaluation showcased effective integration with the surrounding bone, providing stability and displaying promising biocompatibility. Overall, the preliminary assessments hinted at positive outcomes. Yet, to fully confirm and comprehend the bone regeneration potential for clinical use, inclusive evaluations including micro-CT and histological analyses are currently proceeding. The regenerative capacity and the osseointegration capability of the scaffold material at the bone-scaffold interface are fundamental for concluding the study

Computed tomographic measurements of the femoral trochlea in dogs with and without medial patellar luxation

Objectives: To determine cutoff values in small (SB) and medium/large (MLB) breed dogs with and without medial patellar luxation (MPL) for identifying abnormal femoral trochlea morphology. Study design: Original research. Animals: A total of 80 computed tomographic (CT) scans from client-owned dogs METHODS: Four groups of 20 dogs were created: (1) control SB, (2) control MLB, (3) MPL-SB, and (4) MPL-MLB. Two authors measured the femoral trochlear groove angle (FTGA), femoral trochlear angle (FTA), and femoral trochlear ridge inclination angle (FTRIA) in two points with CT. ANOVA and ROC-analysis were tested to the control and MPL groups to assess sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff values. Statistical significance was set to p < .05. Intraclass correlation coefficients evaluated the inter-rater agreement. Results: FTGA (± SD) in control SB (128.8° ± 4.7°) and control MLB (119.2° ± 5.6°), was smaller (p 134°, 128.3°, < -0.4°, < -0.4° (MLB). Sensitivity, specificity, and inter-rater agreement were superior for FTGA than FTA and FTRIA. Conclusions: Dogs without MPL had a deeper femoral trochlear groove than MPL dogs. SB had a shallower groove than MLB. The measurement of FTA and FTRIA was not reliable. Clinical relevance: A FTGA <134° (SB) and < 128° (MLB) may be considered as a cutoff for trochleoplasty decision-making

Computed tomographic measurements of the femoral trochlea in dogs with and without medial patellar luxation

Objectives: To determine cutoff values in small (SB) and medium/large (MLB) breed dogs with and without medial patellar luxation (MPL) for identifying abnormal femoral trochlea morphology. Study design: Original research. Animals: A total of 80 computed tomographic (CT) scans from client-owned dogs METHODS: Four groups of 20 dogs were created: (1) control SB, (2) control MLB, (3) MPL-SB, and (4) MPL-MLB. Two authors measured the femoral trochlear groove angle (FTGA), femoral trochlear angle (FTA), and femoral trochlear ridge inclination angle (FTRIA) in two points with CT. ANOVA and ROC-analysis were tested to the control and MPL groups to assess sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff values. Statistical significance was set to p  134°,  128.3°, < -0.4°, < -0.4° (MLB). Sensitivity, specificity, and inter-rater agreement were superior for FTGA than FTA and FTRIA. Conclusions: Dogs without MPL had a deeper femoral trochlear groove than MPL dogs. SB had a shallower groove than MLB. The measurement of FTA and FTRIA was not reliable. Clinical relevance: A FTGA <134° (SB) and < 128° (MLB) may be considered as a cutoff for trochleoplasty decision-making

Active Materials for 3D Printing in Small Animals : Current Modalities and Future Directions for Orthopedic Applications

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.The successful clinical application of bone tissue engineering requires customized implants based on the receiver’s bone anatomy and defect characteristics. Three-dimensional (3D) printing in small animal orthopedics has recently emerged as a valuable approach in fabricating individualized implants for receiver-specific needs. In veterinary medicine, because of the wide range of dimensions and anatomical variances, receiver-specific diagnosis and therapy are even more critical. The ability to generate 3D anatomical models and customize orthopedic instruments, implants, and scaffolds are advantages of 3D printing in small animal orthopedics. Furthermore, this technology provides veterinary medicine with a powerful tool that improves performance, precision, and cost-effectiveness. Nonetheless, the individualized 3D-printed implants have benefited several complex orthopedic procedures in small animals, including joint replacement surgeries, critical size bone defects, tibial tuberosity advancement, patellar groove replacement, limb-sparing surgeries, and other complex orthopedic procedures. The main purpose of this review is to discuss the application of 3D printing in small animal orthopedics based on already published papers as well as the techniques and materials used to fabricate 3D-printed objects. Finally, the advantages, current limitations, and future directions of 3D printing in small animal orthopedics have been addressed.Peer reviewe

Colloidal Iron Oxide Formulation for Equine Hoof Disinfection

The presence of bacteria of various origins on horse hoofs enables the onset of infections following trauma or even post\u2010surgical wounds. Thus, the analysis of new antibacterial substances is of fundamental importance. In this study, the antibacterial efficacy of Iron Animals (IA), a stable colloidal suspension of iron oxide, organic acids, and detergents, was tested in vitro and in vivo. In vitro assays were performed to test the unspecific inhibitory effect of IA on both gram\u2010positive and gram\u2010negative bacteria monitoring the microorganism growth by spectrophotometry (optical density OD600) at 37 \ub0C for 24 h. In vivo test consists on the quantification of the bacterial load in colony forming units per gram (CFU/g) of specimens collected from the frog region of the anterior hooves of 11 horses. Sampling followed the application of four disinfectant protocols consisting of two consecutive 3 min scrubs with 50 mL of 10% Povidone\u2010iodine (PI) or 4% Chlorhexidine (CHx), with or without an additional application for 15 min of 10 mL of Iron Animals (PI+IA and CHx+IA). In vitro, IA completely suppressed the bacterial growth of all the tested microorganisms, resulting in effectiveness also against CHx\u2010resistant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. In vivo, PI emerged as an ineffective protocol; CHx was effective in 18% of cases, but with the addition of IA (CHx + IA) its use emerged as the best disinfectant protocol for horse hoof, achieving the lowest bacterial load in 55% of cases. The addition of IA, after PI or CHx, improves the effectiveness of both disinfectants leading to the highest bactericidal activity in 82% of cases