Um dos maiores obstáculos para o sucesso das reabilitações com próteses sobre implantes consiste na obtenção de boa adaptação marginal dos componentes protéticos. Não está claro na literatura quais níveis de desajuste são considerados clinicamente aceitáveis, mas sabe-se que a ausência de perfeito ajuste e assentamento passivo pode provocar tensões inadequadas na interface de osseointegração, possibilitando problemas mecânicos e biológicos. A fotoelasticidade é uma técnica experimental para análise de tensões capaz de produzir resultados bastante confiáveis e fiéis aos parâmetros clínicos. Quando estruturas metálicas para próteses sobre múltiplos implantes são fundidas em monobloco, a obtenção de boa adaptação marginal parece ser ainda mais crítica. Contudo, não se verificam estudos que abordem a influência do tipo de metal ou liga empregado nessas fundições sobre os níveis de desadaptação protética. Assim, o presente estudo tem como objetivos verificar a adaptação marginal entre os pilares intermediários e estruturas fundidas em monobloco com diferentes materiais; avaliar, pelo método fotoelástico, as tensões impostas aos implantes quando a eles são fixadas as estruturas metálicas; e ainda pesquisar possíveis correlações entre os níveis de adaptação marginal e as tensões geradas na interface implante-material fotoelástico. Para tanto, utilizando cilindros calcináveis, foram enceradas 15 estruturas para próteses implanto-retidas sobre modelo simulando o posicionamento de cinco implantes na região intermentoniana. As estruturas foram divididas em grupos de cinco e fundidas em monobloco com titânio comercialmente puro grau I, liga de cobalto-cromo ou liga de níquel-cromo-titânio. A adaptação marginal foi avaliada, em microscópio ótico, quanto à passividade, por meio do teste de único parafuso, com aperto alternado nos implantes distais A e E, e quanto aos níveis de desajuste vertical, com todos os parafusos apertados com um torque de 10Ncm. As tensões geradas na área correspondente à região de crista óssea marginal em torno dos implantes foram avaliadas por meio de análise fotoelástica quantitativa empregando o método de compensação de Tardy. Após análise estatística dos resultados (p<0.05), verificou-se que, nos testes de passividade, o Ti cp apresentou resultados significantemente superiores de adaptação quando comparado as ligas de Co-Cr e Ni-Cr-Ti, as quais não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre si. O Ti cp foi semelhante à liga de Ni-Cr-Ti quanto aos níveis de desajuste vertical e tensões impostas aos implantes, com resultados superiores àqueles obtidos com a liga de Co-Cr. Foram aplicados testes de correlação entre as tensões fotoelásticas e os seguintes parâmetros: desajuste vertical, passividade média, adaptação marginal absoluta e percentual de redução de desajuste. Verificou-se correlação significante apenas entre os valores de adaptação marginal absoluta e tensões geradas pelas estruturas de Ni-Cr-Ti. Pode-se concluir que estruturas para próteses fixas sobre múltiplos implantes fundidas em monobloco podem produzir níveis biologicamente aceitáveis de desajuste, sendo os melhores resultados obtidos com o Ti cp, seguido das ligas de Ni-Cr-Ti e Co-Cr, respectivamente. Dentre os metais avaliados, a liga de Co-Cr transmitiu maiores níveis de tensões aos implantes. De um modo geral, não foram verificadas correlações entre valores de adaptação marginal e tensões impostas aos implantes. / Obtaining a good marginal fit of the prosthetic components is one of the main obstacles to the success of rehabilitation with implant-supported prostheses. It is not clear, in the literature, which misfit levels are considered clinically acceptable, but it is known that the absence of a perfect and passive fit may cause inadequate tensions on the osseointegration interface, which may bring about mechanical and biological problems. Photoelasticity is an experimental technique, used to analyze tensions, which is capable of producing results that are reliable to clinical parameters. When metal multiple-unit implant frames are cast in a single unit, it seems that obtaining a good marginal fit is even more critical. However, there are no studies in the literature about the influence that the type of metal or alloy used in these castings may have on the levels of prosthesis misfit. Thus, the present study has the aim to verify the marginal fit between the intermediate abutments and the one-piece structures cast with different materials; perform a photoelastic assessment of the tensions caused on implants when metal frames are fixed to them; and, research the possible correlations between the levels of marginal fit and the tensions generated on the interface implant-photoelastic material. To do this, 15 frames for implant-retained prostheses were waxed, using calcinable cylinders, simulating the positioning of five implants on the inter-mentalis region. The frames were divided into groups (n=5) and cast in a single piece with commercially pure titanium grade I, cobalt-chrome alloy, or nickel-chrome-titanium alloy. Marginal fit was assessed by optic microscopy, in terms of passivity, by a single screw test with alternate tightening on the distal implants A and E. As to the levels of vertical misfit, all screws were tightened to a torque of 10Ncm. Tensions generated in the area corresponding to the marginal bone crest region surrounding the implants were assessed by quantitative photoelastic analysis using the Tardy compensation method. After the statistical analysis of the results (p<0.05), it was verified that, in the passivity tests, the Ti cp showed significantly superior fitting results when compared to the Co-Cr and Ni-Cr-Ti alloys, which showed no statistically significant differences between them. In terms of the levels of vertical misfit and tensions over the implants, Ti cp was similar to the Ni-Cr-Ti alloy, showing superior results when compared to the Co-Cr alloy. Correlation tests were performed between the photoelastic tensions and the following parameters: vertical misfit, mean passivity, absolute marginal fit, and percentage of misfit reduction. A significant correlation was observed only between the values of absolute marginal fit and the tensions generated by the Ni-Cr-Ti frames. It is concluded that one-piece cast multiple-unit implant frames may produce biologically acceptable misfit levels, and the best results are obtained with Ti cp, followed by the Ni-Cr-Ti and Co-Cr alloys, respectively. Among the assessed metals, the Co-Cr alloy transmitted higher tension levels to the implants. In a general way, no correlations were observed between the values of marginal fit and tensions on implants.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos da ciclagem termomecânica sobre parafusos protéticos, convencionais de titânio e com cobertura de carbono, usados para fixação de próteses parciais fixas com desajuste de 150µm entre pilar e prótese, utilizando próteses sem desajuste como controle. Após ciclagem termomecânica das próteses, foram verificadas a adaptação marginal, a perda de torque dos parafusos protéticos e análise fotoelástica da distribuição de tensões ao redor dos implantes. Foram confeccionadas 12 próteses fixas sobre implantes, as quais foram divididas inicialmente em dois grupos (n=6): grupo 1 - sem desajuste (controle); grupo 2 - com desajuste simulado de 150&mu;m. Todas as próteses foram avaliadas em relação à adaptação marginal antes e após a simulação de ciclos mastigatórios. Os conjuntos foram submetidos a um total de 2.000.000 de ciclos mastigatórios, sendo que estes ensaios foram feitos duas vezes e os grupos iniciais foram subdivididos, na primeira vez foram utilizados parafusos com cobertura de carbono: grupo 1A (adaptadas) e grupo 2A (desadaptadas) e na segunda vez parafusos de titânio convencionais: grupo 1B (adaptadas) e grupo 2B (desadaptadas). A perda de torque dos parafusos foi analisada antes (T0), após 1.000.000 (T1) e 2.000.000 de ciclos (T2). A adaptação marginal após o ensaio melhorou significativamente ao se utilizar parafusos convencionais nas próteses adaptadas: pré-molar (p=0,001) e molar (p=0,028); e desadaptadas: pré-molar (p=0,014) e molar (p=0,007); mas ao se utilizar parafusos cobertos com carbono, a adaptação melhorou somente no pré-molar (p=0,015) das próteses desadaptadas. Quanto à perda de torque dos parafusos protéticos houve diferenças significantes antes e após a simulação dos ciclos mastigatórios entre as próteses adaptadas e desadaptadas, no molar, em todos os tempos para ambos parafusos (p&le;0,05); No pré-molar houve diferença significante apenas para os parafusos cobertos com carbono em T0 (p=0,019) e T2 (p=0,044). Quando comparados os parafusos, nas próteses adaptadas houve diferenças significantes no pré-molar em T1 (p=0,026) e T2 (p=0,043); e no molar em T2 (p=0,032); nas próteses desadaptadas houve diferenças significantes apenas para o pré-molar em T1 (p=0,046). Em relação à análise fotoelástica qualitativa, observou-se que em geral a aplicação de carga (10Kgf) gerou maior concentração e intensidade de tensões nas próteses desadaptadas, quando comparadas às adaptadas. Pode-se concluir que a simulação de ciclos mastigatórios teve influência sobre a adaptação marginal das próteses; em relação a perda de torque houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre as próteses adaptadas e desadaptadas; o tratamento de superfície dos parafusos foi eficaz apenas para próteses adaptadas, a análise fotoelástica sugere que próteses com desadaptações marginais provocam maior tensão ao redor dos implantes. / The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of thermomechanical cycling on prosthetic screws, conventional titanium and carbon coated, used for fixation of fixed partial dentures (FDP) with 150&mu;m of misfit between abutment and prosthesis, using fitted prostheses as control. After thermomechanical cycling of prostheses were verified, the marginal fit, the torque loss of prosthetic screws and the photoelastic analysis of stress distribution around implants. Twelve implant-supported fixed partial dentures were prepared and initially divided into two groups (n=6): group 1 - fitted prostheses (control), group 2 - 150&mu;m of simulated misfit. All prostheses had their marginal fit evaluated before and after simulation of cycles. The sets were subjected to a total of 2 million of cycles. Each group was assayed twice: in the first time, carbon coated screws were used: group 1A (fitted) and group 2A (misfitted); and in a second time, conventional titanium screws were used: group 1B (fitted) and group 2B (misfitted). The torque loss of the screws was analyzed before (T0), after 1,000,000 (T1) and 2,000,000 cycles (T2). Marginal fit improved significantly when using conventional screws in fitted prostheses: premolar (p=0,001) and molar (p=0,028), and in misfitted prostheses: premolar (p=0,014) and molar (p=0,007), but when using carbon coated screws, fit improved only in the premolar (p=0,015) of the misfitted prostheses. Torque loss of prosthetic screws were significantly different before and after simulation of the cycles between the fitted and misfitted, in molar, at all times for both screws (p&le;0,05); and in the premolar, were significant differences were noted only for the carbon coated screws at T0 (p=0,019) and T2 (p=0,044).When comparing the screws in the fitted prostheses, significant differences were noted in pre-molar at T1 (p=0,026) and T2 (p=0,043), and in the molar at T2 (p=0,032); whereas in the misfitted prostheses, significant difference was noted only for premolar at T1 (p=0,046). It was observed in qualitative photoelastic analysis that the load application (10Kgf) generated higher concentration and intensity of stresses in the misfitted prostheses, when compared to fitted ones. It can be concluded that the simulation of thermomechanical cycles had an influence on marginal fit of the prostheses. In relation to torque loss, differences between fitted and misfitted prostheses were noted, but the surface treatment of screws was effective only for fitted prostheses, and the photoelastic analysis suggests that prostheses with marginal misfit causes more stress around the implants.

O afrouxamento dos parafusos protéticos é descrito na literatura como uma das complicações mais frequentes das próteses sobre implantes. Durante sua confecção, os profissionais sentem necessidade de remover várias vezes as próteses e/ou componentes protéticos, soltando e re-apertando os parafusos repetidamente. O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a variação do torque de remoção de parafusos de fixação de pilares protéticos a implantes osteointegráveis após sucessivos ciclos de parafusamento e desparafusamento. Outro objetivo foi avaliar a influência do hexágono da base do pilar no torque de remoção dos parafusos. Para isso, foram utilizados 20 implantes de plataforma regular com hexágono externo e 20 pilares protéticos sextavados, que foram parafusados aos implantes com um parafuso de titânio, aplicando-se a este um torque de 32Ncm, por meio de um torquímetro digital. Os conjuntos implante/pilar/parafuso foram divididos em dois grupos: (1) pilares cujo hexágono da base foram removidos e (2) pilares convencionais, com hexágono na base. Cada conjunto recebeu uma restauração provisória e foi submetido a ciclagem mecânica por 15 minutos. Depois, os parafusos foram removidos, medindo-se o torque de remoção. Esta sequência foi repetida dez vezes e então o parafuso foi trocado por outro sem uso, e mais um ciclo foi realizado. Uma análise de regressão linear demonstrou nos dois grupos uma queda do torque de remoção do parafuso ao longo dos repetidos ciclos de inserção/remoção. A comparação entre os coeficientes da regressão nos dois grupos não revelou diferença entre eles. Também não houve diferença entre as médias das 5 últimas repetições e o 11 ciclo, com o parafuso novo. Concluiu-se que (1) repetidos parafusamentos e desparafusamentos promoveram a diminuição progressiva do torque de remoção dos parafusos, (2) a troca do parafuso por outro sem uso após dez ciclos de inserção/remoção não aumentou sua resistência ao afrouxamento, e (3) a remoção do hexágono da base do pilar protético não exerceu nenhum efeito sobre o torque de remoção do parafuso. / Screw loosening is one of the most common problems of implant-retained prostheses. During their confection, dentists need to remove and re-install them several times, loosening and re-tightening the screws repeatedly. The first purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of repeated insertion/removal cycles on the removal torque of retaining prosthetic screws. The second purpose was to evaluate the influence of the hexagon of the abutment on the removal torque. For that, 20 regular external hex implants were used and 20 hexagonal abutments were tightened to the implants with a titanium alloy screw, with an insertion torque of 32Ncm, given by a digital torque gauge. The implant/abutment/screw assemblies were divided into two groups: (1) abutments with no hexagon on the base and (2) abutments with an hexagon on the base. Each assembly received a provisional restoration and was submitted to mechanical loading cycles for 15 minutes. After this, the screws were removed and the removal torque measured. This sequence was repeated ten times and then, the screw was changed for a new one, and another cycle was done. Linear regression analysis was performed and showed that removal torque values tended to decrease as the number of insertion/removal cycles increased, for both groups. Comparisons of the slopes and the intercepts between the two groups showed no statistic difference between them. There was also no difference between the mean values of last 5 cycles and the 11th cycle. It was concluded that (1) repeated insertion/removal cycles promoted gradual reduction in removal torque of screws, (2) changing screw by a new one after ten insertion/removal cycles did not increase resistance to loosening, and (3) removal of the hexagon of the abutment base had no effect on the removal torque of the screw.

O presente trabalho visou desenvolver ligas à base de Níquel-Cromo para prótese dentária, que confiram as melhores características metalúrgicas e químicas para posterior produção e aplicação. Para isto foram adquiridas amostras de ligas comerciais de 8 fabricantes. Os materiais foram caracterizados em termos de composição química, propriedades mecânicas, caracterização microestrutural, temperatura de fusão, coeficiente de expansão térmica, corrosão e biocompatibilidade. Para isto, utilizou-se as fluorescência de raios X (XRF-WDS), ICP-OES, ensaios de tração, ensaios de dureza, ensaios de corrosão, avaliação de citotoxicidade, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), microanálise eletrônica (EDS), difratometria de Raios X (DRX), análise térmica diferencial (DTA), dilatometria e avaliação de fluidez. A maioria dos resultados composicionais não condiz com as composições fornecidas pelos fabricantes. Os resultados mostraram claramente a presença de um eutético típico formado pelas fases Niss e NiBe nas ligas contendo Be, que pode ser considerado uma \"impressão digital\" da presença deste elemento nestas ligas. É possível verificar a formação de intermetálicos na região interdendritica para as ligas isentas de Be, sendo identificado um siliceto (Nb6Ni16Si7) em uma das ligas, que possui temperatura de inicio de fusão inferior ao eutético Niss e NiBe das ligas com Be. De uma forma geral, os resultados dos ensaios de dureza mostraram valores superiores de dureza para as ligas com Be. Foi escolhida uma das ligas comerciais para a reprodução em escala laboratorial (LAB) e industrial (IND). Estas ligas produzidas apresentaram as mesmas características microestruturais, químicas e físicas da liga comercial. Nos ensaios de fluidez, a liga LAB apresentou o mesmo comportamento da liga comercial. A liga IND apresentou limite de escoamento e módulo de elasticidade de ?e0,02%= 810MPa e E= 200 GPa, respectivamente. Os ensaios de corrosão mostraram comportamento passivo tanto para a liga comercial quanto para a liga IND em saliva artificial e enxaguante bucal. O ensaio de citotoxicidade da liga IND indicou comportamento não citotóxico em controle negativo (Chapa de Ti). Os resultados obtidos com a liga IND indicam a possibilidade de fabricação desta liga Ni-Cr para próteses dentárias em escala industrial. / This study aimed to develop nickel-chromium base alloys for dental prostheses with the best characteristics for subsequent production and application. Samples were acquired from eight manufacturers of commercial alloys. The materials were characterized in terms of chemical composition, mechanical properties, microstructure, melting temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion, corrosion and biocompatibility. For this, we have used X-ray fluorescence (XRF-WDS), ICP-OES, tensile tests, hardness testing, corrosion testing, evaluation of cytotoxicity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EDS) , X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), dilatometry and evaluation of fluidity. Most of the chemical compositional determined in this study were not consistent with the compositions provided by the manufacturers. The results clearly showed the presence of a typical eutectic microstructure formed by Niss and NiBe in alloys containing Be, which can be considered a \"fingerprint\" of the presence of this element in these alloys. It was possible to verify the formation of intermetallics in the interdendritic region of the Be-free alloys. In one of the alloys this intermetallic was identified as (Nb6Ni16Si7), this alloy presenting a initial melting temperature below the eutectic melting of the Niss+NiB eutectic. Overall, the results of hardness tests showed superior hardness for alloys with Be. One of the commercial alloys was chosen for reproduction in laboratory (LAB) and industrial (IND) scales. The alloys produced showed the same microstructural characteristics, chemical and physical characteristics of the commercial alloy. In the fluidity tests, the LAB alloy showed the same behavior of the commercial alloy. The IND alloy presented yield strength and modulus of elasticity ?e0, 02% = 810MPa, E = 200 MPa, respectively. The corrosion tests showed passive behavior for both commercial and IND alloy in artificial saliva and mouthwash solutions. The cytotoxicity assay indicated that the IND alloy is not cytotoxic in the negative control (Ti plate). The results obtained with the IND alloy indicate the possibility of fabrication this alloy for dental prosthesis on an industrial scale.

Cette étude a pour but d’étudier la compliance et le vieillissement des prothèses artérielles dans des conditions in-vitro réalistes. Une technique de mesure de la compliance statique et dynamique des prothèses artérielles sans ajout de membrane étanche, a été mise au point, contrairement aux essais pratiqués par tous les dispositifs actuels. Les résultats obtenus montrent que les prothèses sont bien moins compliantes qu’annoncé par les fabricants et présentent une compliance très éloignée des artères saines de l’hôte. Il a été démontré que l’ajout d’une membrane même très souple, introduit des couplages entre la structure prothétique et la membrane. La caractérisation physico-chimique des prothèses ayant subi le vieillissement accéléré a permis d’en comprendre les mécanismes liés à la détérioration de la « durée de vie utile » de ces prothèses. Ce processus est marqué essentiellement par une modification de la structure textile de la prothèse (surtout une forte atténuation de cosselage) et une chute de la compliance longitudinale et de la compliance radiale. De plus, une diminution légère des propriétés dynamométriques des filaments constituant les prothèses a été mise en évidence. La dégradation s’est aussi manifestée par une variation du taux de cristallinité des fibres. / The goal of this work is to study the compliance and the ageing of arterial prostheses under in vitro realistic conditions. A technique for measuring the static and dynamic compliance of arterial grafts without internal compliant membrane (ICM) was developed, contrary to the tests performed by all the current devices. Results have show that the prostheses are less compliant than announced by the manufacturers and have a very remote compliance than the healthy host arteries. It was demonstrated that the addition of an ICM introduces coupling between the prosthetic structure and the balloon. The physico-chemical characterization of the prostheses having undergone the accelerated ageing allowed to understand the mechanisms related to the deterioration of the "useful life" of these prostheses. This process is essentially marked by a modification of the textile structure of the prosthesis (particularly a high attenuation of crimping) and a fall of the longitudinal compliance and the radial compliance. In addition, a slight decrease of tensile properties of the filaments constituting the prosthesis was highlighted. Degradation is also appeared by a change in the rate of crystallinity of fibers.

This thesis, comprising 5 separate studies, is concerned with fixation of prosthetic components in total hip arthroplasty. The results and conclusions of the studies fol-low; The initial stability of femoral revision components, the long cementless PCA stem and the Exeter standard stem cemented in a bed of impacted bone graft, was com-pared in an experimental study. The PCA stem was more stable than the Exeter stem. However, for both stems initial stability may not be sufficient to allow bone ingrowth. Initial fixation is especially vulnerable to torsion. Identical femoral stems with or without HA-coating were compared in a prospec-tive randomized clinical trial. The long-term stable fixation of a cementless Link RS femoral component was improved by application of hydroxyapatite coating to the femoral stem. In a clinical study the method of extensive impaction of morsellized bone allograft and a hydroxyapatite-coated cementless Mallory-Head acetabular component was found to be advantageous for acetabular revision in the presence of contained or acetabular wall defects. The limited contact between the HA-coated implant and living host bone did not seem to compromise long-term stable fixation. Two different cup designs were compared in a prospective randomized RSA study. At 3 years after implantation the cemented low profile Lubinus FAL cup performed as well as the cemented Lubinus Standard cup in terms of migration and polyethyl-ene wear. In a study of the relationship between radiolucent lines and migration the Lubinus FAL cup displayed more radiolucent lines in the cement bone interface than the Lubinus Standard cup but no difference in migration was found. Early appearance of such radiolucent lines represents an unspecific finding without reliable correla-tion to 3-year migration of the acetabular component.

Novel surgical strategies for spinal disc repair are currently being developed that require materials that (1) possess the appropriate mechanical properties to mimic the tissue the material is replacing or repairing and (2) maintain their mechanical function for long durations without negatively affecting the tissue response of adjacent tissue (i.e. bone). Polymers formed through photopolymerization have emerged as candidate biomaterials for many biomedical applications, but these materials possess limited toughness in vivo due to the presence of water inherent in most tissues. Therefore, the overall objective of this research was to develop photopolymerizable (meth)acrylate networks that are both mechanically and biologically compatible under physiological conditions to be implemented in spinal repair procedures. The fundamental approach was to determine structure-property relationships between toughness and network structure in the presence of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) using several model copolymer networks in order to facilitate the design of photopolymerizable networks that are tough in physiological solution. It was demonstrated that networks toughness could be optimized in PBS by tailoring the Tg of the copolymer network close to body temperature and incorporating the appropriate "tough" chemical structures. The ability to maintain toughness up to 9 months in PBS was dependent upon the viscoelastic state and overall hydrophobicity of the network. In tandem, the effect of network chemistry and stiffness on the response of MG63 pre-osteoblast cells was assessed in vitro. The ability of MG63 cells to differentiate on (meth)acrylate network surfaces was found to be primarily dependent on surface chemistry with PEG-based materials promoting a more mature osteoblast phenotype than 2HEMA surfaces. Amongst each copolymer group, copolymer stiffness was found to regulate osteoblast differentiation in a manner dependent upon the surface chemistry. In general, photopolymerizable (meth)acrylate networks that were deemed "tough" were able to promote osteoblast differentiation in a manner comparable if not exceeding that on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). This research will impact the field of biomaterials by elucidating the interrelationships between materials science, mechanics, and biology.

Ligament/tendon tissue engineering has the potential to provide therapies that overcome the limitations of incomplete natural healing responses and inadequate graft materials. While ligament/tendon fibroblasts are an obvious choice of cell type for these applications, difficulties associated with finding a suitable cell source have limited their utility. Mesenchymal stem cells/marrow stromal cells (MSCs) are seen as a viable alternative since they can be harvested through routine medical procedures and can be differentiated toward a ligament/tendon fibroblast lineage. Further study is needed to create an optimal biomaterial/biomechanical environment for ligament/tendon fibroblastic differentiation of MSCs. The overall goal of this dissertation was to improve the understanding of the role that biomechanical stimulation and the biomaterial environment play, both independently and combined, on human MSC (hMSC) differentiation toward a ligament/tendon fibroblast phenotype. Specifically, the effects of cyclic tensile stimuli were studied in a biomaterial environment that provided controlled presentation of biological moieties. The influence of an enzymatically-degradable biomaterial environment on hMSC differentiation was investigated by creating biomaterials containing enzymatically-cleavable moieties. The role that preculture may play in tensile responses of hMSCs was also explored. Together, these studies provided insights into the contributions of the biomaterial and biomechanical environment to hMSC differentiation toward a ligament/tendon fibroblast phenotype.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Neck pain is a common phenomenon that occurs in a large percentage of the population every day. While many occurrences are not deemed critical such as those from muscle strain which can be treated with rest and pain medication, others due to sports injuries, whiplash from car accidents, bad posture or degeneration of the intervertebral disc can be quite severe. In extreme cases failure of the vertebra(e) or the intervertebral disc requires surgery and possibly the use of cervical implants. Where intervertebral discs fail due to herniation or Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a common surgical method used to remove the a ected disc and replace it with a cervical cage implant. These implants are designed to restore the height between the vertebrae, allowing bone from both vertebrae to grow through them and mineralise. Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies can produce parts with complex geometries not possible using conventional manufacturing methods. This design freedom, coupled with CT scans of a patient, allow for tailoring an implant to the speci c anatomy of the a ected vertebrae using CAD software. Such an approach must be regulated and shown to be technically and commercially feasible before it can be implemented in industry. This study sought to develop a framework for manufacturing customized cervical cage implants using additive manufacturing. The e cacy of customization to reduce the risk of subsidence was investigated by means of non-destructive and destructive mechanical testing on six cadaver specimens, using readily available PEEK cage implants as a benchmark. The results showed that the customized implant was comparable to the PEEK, with no statistically signi cant di erence between the two. In extreme cases, where PEEK implants cannot be used, customized implants could be a suitable alternative to reduce the risk of subsidence. A manufacturing cost analysis was conducted to determine economic feasibility. The estimated cost and selling price of the customized implants under various utilization scenarios and mark-ups was compared to readily available PEEK implants. The estimated selling prices of the customized implants compared favourably to the PEEK verifying the economic viability of using AM. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Nek pyn is 'n algemene verskynsel wat daagliks na tevore kom in die bevolking. Baie gevalle word nie as krities geklasi seer nie soos byvoorbeeld spier pyn wat behandel kan word deur genoegsame rus en pyn medikasie. Pyn wat deur sportbeserings, sweepslag beserings 'whiplash' tydens motor ongelukke, verkeerde postuur, of deur slytasie van 'n intervertebrale skyf veroorsaak is, word dikwels as ernstig geklasi seer. In ekstreme gevalle waar die werwel(s) of die inervertebrale skyf(we) faal, sal chirurgie en servikale inplantate moontlik nodig wees. Waneer intervertebrale skywe faal weens herniatie of Degeneratiewe Skyf Siekte (DDD) kan 'n algemene chirurgiese metode, Anterieure Servikale Discectomie en Fusie (ACDF), gebruik word om die gea ekteerde skyf te verwyder en dit te vervang met 'n servikale samesmelting implantaat. Hierdie implantate herstel die hoogte tussen rugwerwels en is ontwerp sodat die been deur dit kan groei en mineraliseer. Komplekse geometrieë kan vervaardig word deur toevoegingsvervaardiging (AM) tegnologieë. Die ontwerp vryheid, gepaard met CT-skanderings en CAD-sagteware stel mens in staat om die geometrie van die implantaat aan te pas tot die spese eke anatomie van die gea ekteerde vertebra. So 'n benadering moet gereguleer word en eers tegnies en kommersieel uitvoerbaar bewys word voordat dit in die bedryf geïmplementeer kan word. Hierdie studie poog verder om 'n raamwerk vir die vervaardiging van persoonlike servikale implantate deur middel van toevoegingsvervaardiging te ontwikkel. Die doeltre endheid van persoonlike implantate om te verhoed dat die chirurg die eind-plaat beskadig, en sodoende die risiko van insakking te verminder, is ondersoek deur middel van meganiese toetse op ses kadawer monsters. Hierdie toetse is gedoen met behulp van geredelik beskikbaar PEEK servikale implantate as 'n maatstaf. Die resultate het getoon dat die persoonlike- en PEEK implantate vergelykbaar is. In moontlike gevalle waar PEEK implantate nie geskik sou wees nie, kan persoonlike implantate 'n alternatiewe opsie wees om die risiko van insakking te verminder.

Um dos maiores obstáculos para o sucesso das reabilitações com próteses sobre implantes consiste na obtenção de boa adaptação marginal dos componentes protéticos. Não está claro na literatura quais níveis de desajuste são considerados clinicamente aceitáveis, mas sabe-se que a ausência de perfeito ajuste e assentamento passivo pode provocar tensões inadequadas na interface de osseointegração, possibilitando problemas mecânicos e biológicos. A fotoelasticidade é uma técnica experimental para análise de tensões capaz de produzir resultados bastante confiáveis e fiéis aos parâmetros clínicos. Quando estruturas metálicas para próteses sobre múltiplos implantes são fundidas em monobloco, a obtenção de boa adaptação marginal parece ser ainda mais crítica. Contudo, não se verificam estudos que abordem a influência do tipo de metal ou liga empregado nessas fundições sobre os níveis de desadaptação protética. Assim, o presente estudo tem como objetivos verificar a adaptação marginal entre os pilares intermediários e estruturas fundidas em monobloco com diferentes materiais; avaliar, pelo método fotoelástico, as tensões impostas aos implantes quando a eles são fixadas as estruturas metálicas; e ainda pesquisar possíveis correlações entre os níveis de adaptação marginal e as tensões geradas na interface implante-material fotoelástico. Para tanto, utilizando cilindros calcináveis, foram enceradas 15 estruturas para próteses implanto-retidas sobre modelo simulando o posicionamento de cinco implantes na região intermentoniana. As estruturas foram divididas em grupos de cinco e fundidas em monobloco com titânio comercialmente puro grau I, liga de cobalto-cromo ou liga de níquel-cromo-titânio. A adaptação marginal foi avaliada, em microscópio ótico, quanto à passividade, por meio do teste de único parafuso, com aperto alternado nos implantes distais A e E, e quanto aos níveis de desajuste vertical, com todos os parafusos apertados com um torque de 10Ncm. As tensões geradas na área correspondente à região de crista óssea marginal em torno dos implantes foram avaliadas por meio de análise fotoelástica quantitativa empregando o método de compensação de Tardy. Após análise estatística dos resultados (p<0.05), verificou-se que, nos testes de passividade, o Ti cp apresentou resultados significantemente superiores de adaptação quando comparado as ligas de Co-Cr e Ni-Cr-Ti, as quais não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre si. O Ti cp foi semelhante à liga de Ni-Cr-Ti quanto aos níveis de desajuste vertical e tensões impostas aos implantes, com resultados superiores àqueles obtidos com a liga de Co-Cr. Foram aplicados testes de correlação entre as tensões fotoelásticas e os seguintes parâmetros: desajuste vertical, passividade média, adaptação marginal absoluta e percentual de redução de desajuste. Verificou-se correlação significante apenas entre os valores de adaptação marginal absoluta e tensões geradas pelas estruturas de Ni-Cr-Ti. Pode-se concluir que estruturas para próteses fixas sobre múltiplos implantes fundidas em monobloco podem produzir níveis biologicamente aceitáveis de desajuste, sendo os melhores resultados obtidos com o Ti cp, seguido das ligas de Ni-Cr-Ti e Co-Cr, respectivamente. Dentre os metais avaliados, a liga de Co-Cr transmitiu maiores níveis de tensões aos implantes. De um modo geral, não foram verificadas correlações entre valores de adaptação marginal e tensões impostas aos implantes. / Obtaining a good marginal fit of the prosthetic components is one of the main obstacles to the success of rehabilitation with implant-supported prostheses. It is not clear, in the literature, which misfit levels are considered clinically acceptable, but it is known that the absence of a perfect and passive fit may cause inadequate tensions on the osseointegration interface, which may bring about mechanical and biological problems. Photoelasticity is an experimental technique, used to analyze tensions, which is capable of producing results that are reliable to clinical parameters. When metal multiple-unit implant frames are cast in a single unit, it seems that obtaining a good marginal fit is even more critical. However, there are no studies in the literature about the influence that the type of metal or alloy used in these castings may have on the levels of prosthesis misfit. Thus, the present study has the aim to verify the marginal fit between the intermediate abutments and the one-piece structures cast with different materials; perform a photoelastic assessment of the tensions caused on implants when metal frames are fixed to them; and, research the possible correlations between the levels of marginal fit and the tensions generated on the interface implant-photoelastic material. To do this, 15 frames for implant-retained prostheses were waxed, using calcinable cylinders, simulating the positioning of five implants on the inter-mentalis region. The frames were divided into groups (n=5) and cast in a single piece with commercially pure titanium grade I, cobalt-chrome alloy, or nickel-chrome-titanium alloy. Marginal fit was assessed by optic microscopy, in terms of passivity, by a single screw test with alternate tightening on the distal implants A and E. As to the levels of vertical misfit, all screws were tightened to a torque of 10Ncm. Tensions generated in the area corresponding to the marginal bone crest region surrounding the implants were assessed by quantitative photoelastic analysis using the Tardy compensation method. After the statistical analysis of the results (p<0.05), it was verified that, in the passivity tests, the Ti cp showed significantly superior fitting results when compared to the Co-Cr and Ni-Cr-Ti alloys, which showed no statistically significant differences between them. In terms of the levels of vertical misfit and tensions over the implants, Ti cp was similar to the Ni-Cr-Ti alloy, showing superior results when compared to the Co-Cr alloy. Correlation tests were performed between the photoelastic tensions and the following parameters: vertical misfit, mean passivity, absolute marginal fit, and percentage of misfit reduction. A significant correlation was observed only between the values of absolute marginal fit and the tensions generated by the Ni-Cr-Ti frames. It is concluded that one-piece cast multiple-unit implant frames may produce biologically acceptable misfit levels, and the best results are obtained with Ti cp, followed by the Ni-Cr-Ti and Co-Cr alloys, respectively. Among the assessed metals, the Co-Cr alloy transmitted higher tension levels to the implants. In a general way, no correlations were observed between the values of marginal fit and tensions on implants.