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Bio-ferrography may be useful in ascertaining joint and implant wear
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A novel process called bio-ferrography may help physicians diagnose diseases in their early stages, determine drug efficacy and ascertain the condition of orthopedic implants, according to research recently published in Acta Biomaterialia.
The bio-ferrograph is an apparatus that allows magnetic isolation of target cells or tissues, according to a press release from American Friends of Tel Aviv University. It captures bone and cartilage particles that are magnetically labeled and taken from the synovial fluid, counts them and then analyzes their chemical composition, shapes and dimensions.
Osteoarthritis
Noam Eliaz, PhD, an investigator for the study and head of Tel Aviv University’s Materials and Nanotechnologies Program, noted that the number and dimensions of the wear particles can be correlated to the level of disease, such as osteoarthritis (OA), while chemical composition and shape can indicate the histological layer of cartilage from which the particles originated.
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Eliaz noted that the technique could be used to better measure wear of cartilage and bone in a more objective and quantitative way – adding that X-rays are usually insufficient to determine the precise level of OA.
“We have been able to detect wear particles even at an early stage of disease, when orthopedists could not identify any damage to the joint by X-ray imaging,” Eliaz stated in the release.
Determining effectiveness of medications
According to the release, the system reportedly can also be used to rank the effectiveness of medications “in an objective and timely manner.” In a study designed to test hyaluronan, Eliaz and his team collected joint fluids prior to each injection in a series of four injections. They then analyzed the fragments of cartilage and bone in the fluids to determine whether the medication was able to slow down or prevent cartilage deterioration.
According to the release, the bio-ferrograph showed a reduction in the concentrations of cartilage and bone particles during treatment, with the best results appearing after the second and third injections. After the fourth injection, however, the concentration of wear particles increased.
Reportedly, this finding could eventually lead to the elimination of the fourth injection in the series, reducing patient discomfort and associated costs.
Furthermore, Eliaz stated, bio-ferrography can be used to predict the lifespan of artificial joints during the research and development stage – as well as monitor implant degradation in the body, and help physicians decide whether to push forward with a replacement if failure seems imminent.
“We can use this technology at the design stage to determine how new geometries, dimensions and materials affect the implant’s functionality,” Eliaz stated in the release. “Even after implantation, doctors can test synovial fluids to determine whether an implant is eroding and at what rate.”
References:
Mendel K. Acta Biomater. 2010;6(11):4430-4438.
www.aftau.org
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