CLC number:
On-line Access: 2024-09-30
Received: 2024-04-08
Revision Accepted: 2024-08-19
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Yu Mori & Naoko Mori . Advancesintitanium alloys and orthopedic implants: new titanium alloys and future research directions[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science D, 2024, 7(6): 1053-1054.
@article{title="Advancesintitanium alloys and orthopedic implants: new titanium
alloys and future research directions",
author="Yu Mori & Naoko Mori ",
journal="Journal of Zhejiang University Science D",
volume="7",
number="6",
pages="1053-1054",
year="2024",
publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
doi="10.1007/s42242-024-00314-1"
}
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%A Yu Mori & Naoko Mori
%J Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE D
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DOI - 10.1007/s42242-024-00314-1
Abstract: Dear Editor,
We read with great interest the article by Tan et al. titled Accelerated fracture healing by osteogenic Ti45Nb implants through the PI3KAkt signaling pathway [1]. This research thoroughly examines the bone-forming capabilities of the Ti45Nb alloy. The in vitro studies revealed that the Ti45Nb alloy enhances the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells more effectively than Ti6Al4V alloy controls, showing no noticeable cytotoxic effects. In vivo tests demonstrated that Ti45Nb alloy implants improved fracture healing compared to the Ti6Al4V alloy, with its biological safety confirmed through histological assessments. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining indicated that the Ti45Nb alloy could enhance bone generation by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, the Ti45Nb alloy not only promotes bone formation and fracture healing but also emerges as a promising new orthopedic material.
Several reports highlight the clinical success of new titanium alloys in orthopedics. A new hip prosthesis using a TiNbSn alloy, which combines a low Youngs modulus (40 GPa) with high strength and biocompatibility, has shown good clinical results. This alloy eliminates the stress imbalance between the cortical bone and the hip stem, thereby reducing stress shielding [2]. Preclinical studies in animal models, particularly rabbits, have demonstrated the utility of TiNbSn alloy as a fracture treatment material, outperforming intramedullary nails or plates made of Ti6Al4V alloy [3, 4]. In a tibia fracture model using TiNbSn alloy intramedullary nails in mice, there was enhanced expression of Runx2, attributed to low Youngs modulus of the TiNbSn alloy, which equalizes the load-sharing between bone and metal [5]. Although Youngs modulus of the Ti45Nb alloy used in this study was not precisely described, it was anticipated to be lower than that of the Ti6Al4V alloy, potentially promoting bone formation by dispersing stress more effectively between bone and metal. If Nb, as the authors suggested, enhances fracture healing through the upregulation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, then Nb-containing titanium alloys could be useful as orthopedic implants.
The accelerated fracture healing effect of the Ti45Nb alloy demonstrated in this study warrants further detailed investigation, particularly with fracture treatment plates, to assess the alloys overall utility. Given the importance of strength and corrosion resistance in orthopedic implants, along with their bone osseointegration properties, it is expected that research on these important factors will be developed.
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