Research and development of external fixation pins that do not cause infection

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K09010
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 55060:Emergency medicine-related
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: Totoki Yasukazu 筑波大学, 附属病院, 病院助教 (00882200)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 線維芽細胞増殖因子 / ステンレス / チタン / 創外固定

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To prevent infection and improve bone fixation of stainless steel external fixation pins, the metal surface is coated with protein that promote tissue regeneration and calcium phosphate. The coated pins were inserted into the lower legs of rabbits and compared with uncoated pins in terms of infection and bone fixation. There was no difference in infection or bone fixation strength with or without coating. A similar study using titanium external fixation pins showed improved bone fixation, so we compared the differences. There was no obvious difference between titanium and stainless steel in terms of coating properties and adhesion to metals. They cells that would grow into bone on metal surfaces. The results showed that the degree of bone formation was higher in titanium than in stainless steel.

Free Research Field

整形外科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ステンレスに線維芽細胞増殖因子とリン酸カルシウムをコーティングした。過去のチタンに同様のコーティングを行った研究と比較し、期待した結果が得られなかった。動物実験におけるコーティングの性能は薬物としてのタンパク質の性能だけで決まるのではなく、組織が接着する基材、つまり金属表面の組織との接着性や生体適合性に依存して決まるという可能性を示唆している。本コーティングを施した創外固定ピンの性能を向上させるためにはピンそのものの組織との接着性や生体適合性を向上させることが必要だと考えられる。