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Biomedical subjects

R K Schenk

Publications and source records attributed to R K Schenk.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Quantitative assessment of angiogenesis and osteogenesis after transplantation of bone: comparison of isograft and allograft bone in mice.

We performed a vital microscopic study in mice bearing dorsal skinfold chambers to characterize microvascular perfusion and leukocyte/endothelium interaction and their effects on elongation and mineralization of neonatal isograft and allograft bone. Isograft (C57/BL to C57/BL) and allograft bone (C57/ BL to BALB/C) revascularized simultaneously. However, vascular perfusion and density were lower in allograft bone than in isograft bone. Leukocyte/endothelium interaction was the same in isograft and allograft bones. Revascularization was not detected in allograft bone transplanted to presensitized recipients. Moreover, in preexisting vessels at the transplantation site, leukocyte/endothelium interaction was altered in allograft bone of presensitized recipients, despite a normal systemic leukocyte count. Femoral growth resulting from thickening of both epiphyses did not differ between experimental groups, however, mineralization occurred in isograft bone only. Isograft bone was histologically intact, allograft bone hypovital and allograft bone in presensitized recipients necrotic 12 days after implantation. Our findings suggest that graft incorporation or rejection is mediated by the microvasculature and that presensitizing of recipients accelerates rejection of allograft bone.

Animals↗

Bone response to unloaded and loaded titanium implants with a sandblasted and acid-etched surface: a histometric study in the canine mandible.

Many dental clinical implant studies have focused on the success of endosseous implants with a variety of surface characteristics. Most of the surface alterations have been aimed at achieving greater bone-to-implant contact as determined histometrically at the light microscopic level. A previous investigation in non-oral bone under short-term healing periods (3 and 6 weeks) indicated that a sandblasted and acid-etched titanium (SLA) implant had a greater bone-to-implant contact than did a comparably-shaped implant with a titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) surface. In this canine mandible study, nonsubmerged implants with a SLA surface were compared to TPS-coated implants under loaded and nonloaded conditions for up to 15 months. Six foxhound dogs had 69 implants placed in an alternating pattern with six implants placed bilaterally in each dog. Gold crowns that mimicked the natural occlusion were fabricated for four dogs. Histometric analysis of bone contact with the implants was made for two dogs after 3 months of healing (unloaded group), 6 months of healing (3 months loaded), and after 15 months of healing (12 months loaded). The SLA implants had a significantly higher (p < 0.001) percentage of bone-to-implant contact than did the TPS implants after 3 months of healing (72.33 +/- 7.16 versus 52.15 +/- 9.19; mean +/- SD). After 3 months of loading (6 months of healing) no significant difference was found between the SLA and TPS surfaced implants (68.21 +/- 10.44 and 78.18 +/- 6.81, respectively). After 12 months of loading (15 months of healing) the SLA implants had a significantly greater percentage (p < 0.001) of bone-to-implant contact than did the TPS implants (71.68 +/- 6.64 and 58.88 +/- 4.62, respectively). No qualitative differences in bone tissue were observed between the two groups of implants nor was there any difference between the implants at the clinical level. These results are consistent with earlier studies on SLA implants and suggest that this surface promotes greater osseous contact at earlier time points compared to TPS-coated implants.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

Morphometric analysis of gastrectomy-evoked osteopenia.

Gastrectomy leads to osteopenia in the rat. The present study describes the effects of gastrectomy on bone morphology. Rats were subjected to gastrectomy or sham operation. Four weeks after the operation the rats were killed and both tibiae were removed. Bone morphology of the left tibia was analyzed with quantitative computer tomography, the right tibia with histomorphometry. Bone length, bone mineral content, as well as indices of bone resorption and formation were measured in the metaphysis and the diaphysis. Gastrectomy had no effect on longitudinal bone growth but it led to a low bone mineral content at both sites. Bone resorption was increased by gastrectomy, as shown by an increase in the medullary cavity area in the diaphysis. Gastrectomy also reduced bone formation, as shown by a decreased periosteal circumference and a decrease in the mean periosteal bone apposition in the diaphysis. In conclusion, gastrectomy-evoked osteopenia reflects impaired formation and increased resorption of bone.

Animals↗

Evaluation of filling materials in membrane--protected bone defects. A comparative histomorphometric study in the mandible of miniature pigs.

In recent years, bone grafts and bone substitutes have been increasingly utilized underneath barrier membranes to optimize the treatment outcome of bone reconstructive therapy for defects in the alveolar process. In the present study, 4 different filling materials were evaluated in bone defects of similar dimensions in the mandible of miniature pigs. Blood clots and autografts were used as controls. The defects were covered with barrier membranes and allowed to heal for 4, 12 or 24 weeks. Histologic examination demonstrated that bone repair progressed through a programmed sequence of maturation steps closely resembling the pattern of bone development and growth regardless of whether bone grafts or substitutes were present or not. Histomorphometric analysis showed that autologous bone grafts (autografts) had the best osteoconductive properties during the initial healing period, with 39% of newly formed bone inside the membrane-covered defects at 4 weeks of healing. In addition, 87% of the graft surfaces were already covered by bone at this time. Both values were significantly higher for autografts than for the 4 alternative bone fillers (P < or = 0.05). At 12 weeks, these differences were no longer apparent, with all 5 filling materials showing similar values. Among the tested bone substitutes, tricalcium phosphate (TCP) showed a significantly higher percentage of bone fill at 24 weeks of healing. It can be concluded that sites filled with autografts clearly demonstrated the best results underneath barrier membranes in the early phase of healing. As far as degradation and substitution are concerned, TCP showed the most promising results. This filler, however, needs to be tested further in a more demanding animal model. Less favorable results were obtained for coral-derived hydroxyapatite granules and for demineralized freeze-dried bone allografts.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗

Long-lasting osseointegration of immediately loaded, bar-connected TPS screws after 12 years of function: a histologic case report of a 95-year-old patient.

The present case report provides histologic findings on four titanium plasma-sprayed screw implants after 12 years of incorporation and functional load in a 95-year-old patient. At the time of implant placement, the four implants were immediately connected with a bar and functionally loaded with a bar-supported overdenture. The histologic analysis demonstrated excellent osseointegration in either cortical or cancellous bone for all implants. The histomorphometric analysis showed direct bone-implant contact of approximately 70% to 80% at the interface. Close to the implant surface, signs of ongoing bone remodeling activities were present. The present histologic case report confirms the validity of the applied treatment concept--to immediately load titanium implants with a titanium plasma-sprayed surface in the anterior region of the mandible--if a minimum of four implants can be inserted and if the four implants are splinted with a bar.

Aged↗

Clinical, radiographic, and histologic evaluation of human periodontal defects treated with Bio-Oss and Bio-Gide.

This study evaluated the clinical, radiographic, and histologic response to Bio-Oss porous bone mineral when used alone or in combination with Bio-Gide bilayer collagen membrane in human periodontal defects. Four intrabony periodontal defects were treated: two received Bio-Oss alone and two were treated with a combination of Bio-Oss and Bio-Gide. Radiographs, clinical probing depths and attachment levels were obtained preoperatively and 6 to 9 months postoperative, and teeth and surrounding tissues were biopsied. Both treatments significantly improved clinical probing depths and attachment levels, and the radiographic appearance suggested osseous fill. Histologic evaluation revealed that both treatments produced new cementum with inserting collagen fibers and new bone formation on the surface of the graft particles; this regenerative effect was more pronounced using the Bio-Oss/Bio-Gide combination, which resulted in 7 mm of new cementum and periodontal ligament and extensive new bone incorporating the graft. The membrane was intact at 7 months and partially degraded by 9 months after treatment. This human histologic study demonstrates that the porous bone mineral matrix used has the capacity to stimulate substantial new bone and cementum formation and that this capacity is further increased when the graft is used with a slowly resorbing collagen membrane.

Absorbable Implants↗

Biologic width around titanium implants. A histometric analysis of the implanto-gingival junction around unloaded and loaded nonsubmerged implants in the canine mandible.

The use of endosseous dental implants as transmucosal devices necessitates the successful integration of three different tissues: bone, connective tissue, and epithelium. So far, studies have predominantly focused on hard tissue integration. Much less is known about soft tissues. This study examined the dimensions of the implantogingival junction in relation to clinically healthy unloaded and loaded nonsubmerged implants. In total, 69 titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) and sandblasted acid-etched (SLA) implants were placed in an alternating fashion in six foxhounds and allowed to heal for 3 months. Two dogs were sacrificed after the initial healing period. The remaining four dogs had crowns fabricated that were allowed to function for up to 12 months. These animals were sacrificed after 3 and 12 months of loading. Histometric analysis of undecalcified histologic sections included the evaluation of the sulcus depth (SD), the dimensions of the junctional epithelium (JE), and the connective tissue contact (CTC). Mean values in the 3 month unloaded group were 0.49 mm for SD, 1.16 mm for JE, and 1.36 mm for CTC. These dimensions were 0.50 mm for SD, 1.44 mm for JE, and 1.01 mm for CTC for the 3 month loaded group. After 12 months of loading, these values were 0.16 mm for SD, 1.88 mm for JE, and 1.05 mm for CTC. The sum of these measurements was similar for the different time points and similar to the same dimensions around teeth. TPS and SLA surfaces had no influence on the evaluated parameters (P > 0.05). The data suggest that a biologic width exists around unloaded and loaded nonsubmerged one-part titanium implants and that this is a physiologically formed and stable dimension as is found around teeth.

Analysis of Variance↗

Lateral ridge augmentation using autografts and barrier membranes: a clinical study with 40 partially edentulous patients.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated predictability and treatment outcome of the combined application of autografts and expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membranes for lateral ridge augmentation in partially edentulous patients using a staged approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty partially edentulous patients were consecutively treated. Emphasis was given to a lateral incision technique, perforation of the cortex to open the marrow cavity, stable placement of corticocancellous autografts and bone chips, precise adaptation of the e-PTFE membranes and stabilization with miniscrews, and a tension-free primary soft tissue closure. After 7 to 13 months, the sites were reopened for membrane removal and implant placement. RESULTS: All but one patient showed complication-free soft tissue healing. After reopening, 38 patients exhibited excellent ridge augmentation, whereas two had compromised results, with soft tissue encapsulation of some bone chips. None of the applied block grafts showed clinical signs of resorption. Preaugmentation and postaugmentation measurements showed an enlargement of the crest width from a mean of 3.5 mm to 7.1 mm. This allowed the placement of nonsubmerged titanium implants in all 40 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates that the combined application of autografts and e-PTFE membranes is a predictable surgical procedure for lateral ridge augmentation that results in an enlargement of the alveolar crest in partially edentulous patients. The autografts support the membrane and activate bone formation with their osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties. The membrane acts as a physical barrier to nonosteogenic soft tissue cells, and protects the autografts against resorption during healing.

Adolescent↗

Influence of surface characteristics on bone integration of titanium implants. A histomorphometric study in miniature pigs.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the influence of different surface characteristics on bone integration of titanium implants. Hollow-cylinder implants with six different surfaces were placed in the metaphyses of the tibia and femur in six miniature pigs. After 3 and 6 weeks, the implants with surrounding bone were removed and analyzed in undecalcified transverse sections. The histologic examination revealed direct bone-implant contact for all implants. However, the morphometric analyses demonstrated significant differences in the percentage of bone-implant contact, when measured in cancellous bone. Electropolished as well as the sandblasted and acid pickled (medium grit; HF/HNO3) implant surfaces had the lowest percentage of bone contact with mean values ranging between 20 and 25%. Sandblasted implants with a large grit and titanium plasma-sprayed implants demonstrated 30-40% mean bone contact. The highest extent of bone-implant interface was observed in sandblasted and acid attacked surfaces (large grit; HCl/H2SO4) with mean values of 50-60%, and hydroxylapatite (HA)-coated implants with 60-70%. However, the HA coating consistently revealed signs of resorption. It can be concluded that the extent of bone-implant interface is positively correlated with an increasing roughness of the implant surface.

Animals↗

Is longitudinal bone growth influenced by diurnal variation in the mitotic activity of chondrocytes of the growth plate?

The diurnal variations in the mitotic index, height, and rate of linear bone growth were determined and correlations between these parameters examined. Young, unweaned, female Wistar rats were housed under standardized conditions, labeled with a fluorochrome 60 h before sacrifice, and killed at intervals throughout a 24-h period, specifically 0600, 1200, 1800, and 2400. The proximal tibial epiphyseal growth plates were collected and processed, and the mitotic index, growth plate height, and the rate of linear bone growth were measured. The mitotic index measured at 0600 was significantly higher than that measured at 1800 and 2400. Growth plates of rats sacrificed at 1200 were taller than those of rats sacrificed at 1800, but there was no difference between heights of growth plates from rats sacrificed at other times. Daily growth rate for all rats averaged 283.9 microns/day and there were no statistically significant differences between daily growth rates measured at any time period. Our findings imply that in comparative, quantitative structural studies of animal groups, sacrifice should be carried out at identical times of the day, since, given a constant speed of vascular ingrowth and diurnal variation in width, relative diurnal accumulation and depletions of cells may take place. We also suggest that the daily growth rate and mitotic index be measured directly and not be considered a function of the height of the growth plate.

Animals↗

Physiological mechanisms adopted by chondrocytes in regulating longitudinal bone growth in rats.

1. Chondrocyte activities within growth plate cartilage are the principal determinants of longitudinal bone growth, and it was the aim of this investigation to assess how these cell activities are modulated under various growth rate conditions. Using proximal tibial growth plates from rats of different ages, growth rate was determined by fluorochrome labelling and incident light fluorescence microscopy. Various cellular parameters contributing to longitudinal bone growth were quantified by light microscopic stereology. The size of the proliferating cell population ('growth fraction') was estimated by autoradiography (using [3H]thymidine labelling). 2. A comparison between data for suckling (21-day-old) and fast-growing (35-day-old) rats revealed that growth acceleration is achieved almost exclusively by cell-shape modelling, namely by an increase in final cell height and a decrease in lateral diameter, whereas final cell volume and surface area are slightly reduced. Cell proliferation rate in the longitudinal direction and net matrix production per cell remain unchanged. The physiological increase in linear growth rate thus appears to be based principally upon a controlled structural modulation of the chondrocyte phenotype. On the other hand, a physiological reduction in growth rate (i.e. growth deceleration) effected during the transition from pre-puberty (35-day-old rats) to maturity (80-day-old rats) is achieved by simultaneous decreases in several chondrocyte parameters, including cell height (i.e. phenotype modulation), cell volume and proliferation rate (in the longitudinal direction). However, chondrocytes continue to produce matrix at a level comparable to that attained during the period characterized by high growth rates (i.e. at 21 and 35 days). Cartilage matrix thus appears to play a subordinate role in regulating longitudinal bone growth rate. The duration of the hypertrophic cell activity (i.e. phenotype modulation) phase remains constant (at approximately 2 days) under the various growth rate conditions. 3. The findings presented in this study indicate that measurement of bulk parameters such as [35S]sulphate incorporation into matrix components, [3H]thymidine uptake by cells and growth plate height are of limited value as estimators of longitudinal bone growth, since changes in the parameters that these measurements quantify bear little relationship to changes in linear growth rate, and may be useful only as indicators of total growth plate activity.

Aging↗

[Reaction of the bone to a cement-free SL femur revision prosthesis. Histologic findings in an autopsy specimen 5 1/2 months after surgery].

A 65-year-old man underwent revision arthroplasty because of loosening of the femoral component. At revision, an SL revision femoral stem (Wagner) was inserted. The patient died unexpectedly five and a half months after this operation and it was possible to study the bony incorporation of the prosthesis microscopically in undecalcified sections with the implant in situ. The stem of the prosthesis was solidly anchored in the distal diaphysis of the femur. The press fit obtained at surgery allowed bridging of the small gaps between the endosteal surface and the eight wings of the stem by direct (primary) bone formation. The newly formed bone was found in direct contact with the titanium surface. Direct bone apposition and good bony anchorage were also found further proximally, especially on the medial aspect of the stem. The proximal shaft of the femur was severely altered by the loosening of the former femoral component. Congruency between the marrow cavity and the shaft of the prosthesis was only possible when the space was filled with a cancellous allograft. There were signs of revascularization and revitalization, but for the most part the graft was still avascular and functioning only as a spacer. The documentation of this specimen provides important information concerning the first and decisive phase of bony incorporation of cementless prostheses, i.e., on the period when the primary stability due to press fit is converted to secondary, possibly definitive, fixation by means of direct bone formation.

Aged↗

Quantitation of structural features characterizing weight- and less-weight-bearing regions in articular cartilage: a stereological analysis of medial femoral condyles in young adult rabbits.

The structural organization of articular cartilage from the medial femoral condyle of young adult rabbits has been examined after processing according to an improved fixation procedure. By using recently developed stereological methods, a quantitative analysis of chondrocyte number, surface area, volume, and matrix volume per cell was carried out in the light microscope; at the electron microscopic level, quantities of cytoplasmic components within chondrocytes (including organelles) were estimated. These measurements were made for each of the four zones from the (articular cartilage) surface down to the tidemark, and the results (for each zone) were compared between weight- and less-weight-bearing regions. In general, articular cartilage revealed considerable heterogeneity in structure throughout its depth. The number of cells per unit volume is maximal beneath the surface and decreases toward the tidemark. The size of chondrocytes, and the mean matrix volume surrounding each, increases from the surface toward the deeper zones. Comparison between weight- and less-weight-bearing regions reveals striking differences. The numerical volume density of cells in the superficial zone of regions bearing high physiological load is less than half of that in less-weight-bearing regions, chondrocyte death being principally responsible for this reduction. A comparison between the midzones of weight- and less-weight-bearing areas reveals that the former is characterized by a decrease in cell density and an approximately threefold increase in cell size in relation to the latter. The increase in cell volume is attributable principally to an accumulation of intermediate filaments and glycogen particles, and represents an adaptation to increased functional requirements. Near the tidemark, numerical volume densities of chondrocytes in both weight- and less-weight-bearing locations are similar, but the larger cell size in the former still persists.

Animals↗

Porous hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate cylinders with two different pore size ranges implanted in the cancellous bone of rabbits. A comparative histomorphometric and histologic study of bony ingrowth and implant substitution.

To investigate the histophysiology of implant degradation, hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate cylinders with a diameter of 3 mm were implanted in the cancellous bone of the distal femur and the proximal tibia of 15 New Zealand White rabbits for up to six months. All implants had a homogeneous pore distribution and a porosity of 60%. Ceramics with a pore size range of 50-100 micron and 200-400 micron were compared. Morphometric analysis showed that up to 85.4% of the originally implanted tricalcium phosphate was degraded after six months, whereas the volume reduction of the hydroxyapatite was only 5.4% after the same period. Within the first months bone and tissue ingrowth and implant resorption occurred at a higher rate in the smaller-pored tricalcium phosphate than in the larger-pored material. Hydroxyapatite cylinders with small pores were totally infiltrated by bone or bone marrow after four months, whereas in the larger-pored hydroxyapatite implants tissue did not penetrate all pores after six months and the amount of bone within the implant was small. Scanning electron microscopy of the material before implantation revealed the existence of numerous pore interconnections with diameters of about 20 micron in the smaller-pored ceramics. Such interconnections were rare in the larger-pored implants. The pore interconnections seem to promote vascular and tissue ingrowth and consequently the initial rate of implant resorption. Implant resorption is an active process and involves two different cell types. Acid phosphatase-positive osteoclast-like cells suggesting active resorption adhere directly to the surface, especially in tricalcium phosphate implants. Clusters of macrophages tightly packed with granular material are found in the pores and along the perimeter of all implant cylinders. They may play an active role in the intracellular degradation of small detached ceramic particles.

Animals↗

Effect of beta-tricalcium phosphate in surgically created subchondral bone defects in male horses.

beta-Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) was evaluated as a synthetic bone grafting material in horses. Sixteen horses were randomly assigned to 4 groups of 4 horses. In each horse, an 11-mm by 10-mm circular defect with a smooth margin was created surgically in the weight-bearing surface of both third metacarpal bones (McIII) and the left third metatarsal bone. The defect in the left McIII was filled with TCP, the defect in the right McIII was filled with a mixture of 50% autogenous cancellous bone (ACB) and 50% TCP, and the defect in the left third metatarsal bone was not filled to serve as a control. Nuclear imaging and radiographic evaluation of surgical sites were performed at postsurgical week (PSW) 4 and 13 in group-I horses and at PSW 26, 39, and 52 in groups-II, -III, and -IV horses, respectively. Horses in groups I, II, III, and IV were euthanatized at PSW 13, 26, 39, and 52, respectively, and specimens were harvested for histologic evaluation. Results were compared among treatment methods, as well as among time intervals. The greatest activity at defect sites was seen in group-I horses at PSW 4. Activity counts in limbs of group-I horses at PSW 13 and counts in limbs of group-II horses at PSW 26 were not significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) different. Activity counts in groups-III and -IV horses at PSW 39 and 52, respectively, were less than those in groups I and II. However, there was no significant difference in activity counts between limbs implanted with TCP or ACB:TCP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Radionuclide, radiographic, and histomorphometric evaluation of healing of surgically created subchondral defects in equine bone.

In the present study, radionuclide scintigraphy and radiography were used to evaluate the rate and degree of healing that occurred in surgically created subchondral bone defects in horses. Following radionuclide scintigraphy and radiography the horses were killed, and histomorphometric analysis was performed on the defect sites. The histomorphometric results were compared to the radionuclide scintigraphic and radiographic results to determine which noninvasive technique provided the most accurate information concerning healing of the bone defects. It was concluded that radionuclide scintigraphy and radiographic evaluation seemed equally well suited for use in serial evaluation of healing of surgically created bone defects. However, it was felt that the most accurate assessment of healing of the bone defects and effects in the adjacent bone could be provided by combining the two methods of evaluation.

Animals↗

Quantitation of chondrocyte performance in growth-plate cartilage during longitudinal bone growth.

The longitudinal growth of bone depends on the activities of individual chondrocytes of the growth plate. Each chondrocyte remains in a fixed location throughout its life, and there accomplishes all of its functions. Although a cell may perform several or all of its activities simultaneously, one of these will usually predominate during a particular phase of its life. The two most prominent stages are those of cellular proliferation and hypertrophy (including the mineralization of matrix) before the resorption of tissue during vascular invasion. By applying recently developed stereological procedures and improved methods for the fixation of cartilage, we compared cellular shape modulation, various ultrastructural parameters (surface areas or volumes of endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi membranes, and mitochondria), the production of matrix, and cellular turnover for proliferating and hypertrophic chondrocytes within the proximal tibial growth plate of the rat. By the late hypertrophic stage, fourfold and tenfold increases in the mean cellular height and volume, respectively, and a threefold increase in the mean volume of the matrix per cell were achieved. The high metabolic activity of hypertrophic cells was reflected by a twofold to fivefold increase in the mean cellular surface area of rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi membranes, and the mean cellular mitochondrial volume. Rates of longitudinal growth were determined by fluorochrome labeling and incident-light fluorescence microscopy. Using these values and the stereological estimators describing cellular height, the rates of cellular turnover were calculated. The rapid progression of the vascular invasion front was found to eliminate, for each column of cells, one chondrocyte every three hours; that is, eight cells a day. The maintenance of a steady-state structure for growth-plate cartilage in rats in a steady state of growth thus necessitates efficient compensation for these losses, which is achieved by a high rate of cellular proliferation and rapid hypertrophy.

Animals↗