SOFT TISSUE ADHESION PATTERNS OVER TREVIRA TUBE ON MODULAR ENDOPROSTHESIS FOR MALIGNANT BONE TUMOURS: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Abstract

A reliable and effective technique in case of limb salvage surgery after resection of extensive bone tumors isrepresented by the implant of modular or custom-made megaprosthesis. Fixation of the residual surroundingsoft tissue on the implant represent a challenge for the surgeon and the use of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)tube over it, also known as Trevira, is currently a common choice for reattachment with good clinical outcomes.We compared fibroblastic cell culture potential over simple titanium coating vs titanium surrounded by Treviraand evaluated cell viability and replication at 24, 48 and 72 h using MTT cell growth assay and scanning electronmicroscopy to determine if there was any difference in the potential of cell growth associated to the materialused. No significant difference was found at different timings in terms of total cell count for cultures over the twomaterials, but the absolute cell count was slightly higher in the Trevira group in the early time points, reversing thetrend at 72 h of incubation. Ninety-four % of the cells analyzed were vital, regardless of the materials involved inthe experiment, confirming the biocompatibility of titanium and PET. According to the results shown, we are ableto confirm the in vitro safety and efficacy, in terms of newly formed cells extension and adhesion pattern, of usingan attachment tube made from Trevira fibers surrounding an oncological megaprosthesis in order to achieve themost anatomical reinsertion of remaining soft tissue following resection.