Locally delivered TGF-β1 and IGF-1 enhance the fixation of titanium implants: A study in dogs

Background Osteogenic growth factors have been suggested to enhance the fixation of implants used in joint replacement. We examined the effect of locally delivered transforming growth factor-β1 and insulin-like growth factor-1 in a biodegradable poly (D, L-lactide) coating.

Material and methods In a paired study using 9 dogs, unloaded titanium implants surrounded by a 1-mm gap were inserted into the proximal humerus. The growth factors were incorporated in a poly (D, L-lactide) coating at a 1% (w/w) ratio of TGF-β1 and a 5% (w/w) ratio of IGF-1. Control implants were uncoated. After 4 weeks, the implants were evaluated by mechanical push-out test and by histomorphometry.

Results A twofold increase was seen in mechanical fixation (strength, stiffness, energy absorption) for the growth factor-treated implants (p = 0.04). Similar results were seen in histomorphometry, as bone ongrowth was 2.5 times higher (p = 0.02), and gap healing was 30–110% higher (p = 0.04) for the growth factor-treated implants than for the control implants. Ongrowth of fibrous tissue was eliminated by the treatment.

Interpretation TGF-beta-1 and IGF-1, locally delivered in a biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide) coating, enhance the mechanical fixation and osseointegration of titanium implants in cancellous bone, and no fibrous tissue is produced in the growth factor treated implants.