The influence of a calcium sulphate bone void filler on the third-body damage and polyethylene wear of total knee arthroplasty

This study by Cowie et al investigates the impact of a calcium sulphate bone void filler (CS-BVF) on third-body damage and polyethylene wear in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in-vitro. ​ The research used experimental wear simulation on 18 fixed-bearing TKA implants, comparing implants exposed to CS-BVF, new implants (negative controls), and intentionally scratched implants (positive controls). ​

Key findings include:

1. Wear Rate: CS-BVF did not significantly increase the wear rate of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tibial inserts compared to negative controls. ​ Scratched implants (positive controls) showed significantly higher wear rates. ​
2. Surface Roughness: CS-BVF did not alter the surface roughness of cobalt-chrome (CoCr) femoral components compared to negative controls. ​
3. Third-Body Damage: CS-BVF particles, when trapped between articulating surfaces, did not scratch CoCr components or embed in UHMWPE inserts. ​

The study concludes that high-purity CS-BVF does not influence wear or surface damage on TKA implants and is unlikely to accelerate wear-debris-induced osteolysis. ​However, the findings may not apply to all bone void fillers, especially those with impurities.

Read the full paper here.

The study was funded by Biocomposites Ltd and other organisations, with some authors employed by Biocomposites Ltd.