Papers by Author: H.L. Wang

Abstract: Calcium phosphate (Ca-P) biomaterials have been proved to show osteoinductivity, however the affecting factors and mechanism are still unclear now. In this study, the surface characteristics of biphasic Ca-P ceramics (hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate; HA/TCP) sintered at the distinct temperature were investigated and the mechanism of the osteoinductivity was discussed. The osteoinductivity of HA/TCP ceramics increased with decreasing the sintering temperature. The different surface micro-structure resulted from different sintering temperature includes phase composition, surface micro-structure, and surface potential. These characteristics should be the important factors affecting osteoinductivity.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a feasible technique for bone reparation and further explore the possible applications of Ca-P ceramics in segmental load-bearing bone reparation. HA/TCP ceramics sintered at 1250oC were fabricated into tube-like columns of Φ15mm×30mm with a central canal of Φ4mm. Bone-like apatite was precipitated on the ceramics before implantation. 12 male dogs were used in this study, and a 30mm long segmental bone defect was made in the middle of one femur of each dog. Supported by the fixation of net-cage-structured TC4, the osteoinductive Ca-P ceramic cylinder was used to repair the segmental defect in dog femur. Stress was analyzed by ANSYS. The morphology recovery, function restoration, gait analyses and bone regeneration were evaluated. After implantation at 2, 4 and 8 months, the specimens were harvested respectively. The specimens were evaluated with morphological observation and mechanical testing. Stress analysis showed that the thickness of TC4 net cage was 0.3mm. The morphology recovery of the experimental animal was good and function was restored after 2 months gradually. Aided by stress analysis and by optimizing the design and fixation of implants, Ca-P materials with excellent osteoinductivity could be applied in repairing segmental bone defects.