Prototype of a Silicon Nitride Ceramic‐Based Miniplate Osteofixation System for the Midface

Abstract

Si3N4 ceramics show a good biocompatibility outcome both in vitro and in vivo. In ENT surgery, this ceramic may serve as a biomaterial for osteosynthesis (eg, of the midface including reconstruction the floor of the orbit and the skull base). To our knowledge, this is the first introduction of a ceramic-based miniplate-osteofixation system. Advantages compared with titanium are no risk of implantation to bone with mucosal attachment, no need for explantation, and no interference with radiologic imaging. Disadvantages include the impossibility of individual bending of the miniplates.

An Experimental–Numerical Methodology for a Rapid Prototyped Application Combined with Finite Element Models in Vertebral Trabecular Bone

“…The test was performed according to recommendations for various material tests like tension, compression, and bending [29,30]. We used cylindrical shapes as well as typical flat shapes as standard specimens because the bending test results for two differently shaped specimens had similar values, based on its consistently round or square shape, high aspect ratio, and lowest error values as computed by the finite element model [31].…”

Ceramics and ceramic coatings in orthopaedics

“…They are appropriate for its use as a biomaterial, but need to be augmented with provisions that address biologic issues. Si 3 N 4 has been shown to be biocompatible, possessing favorable cell interaction characteristics [83,84,[97][98][99][100][101][102]. These and other studies indicate that porous or unpolished Si 3 N 4 osteointegrates with adjacent bone [102][103][104][105][106] and exhibits bacteriostasis [106,107] .…”

“…Si 3 N 4 has been shown to be biocompatible, possessing favorable cell interaction characteristics [83,84,[97][98][99][100][101][102]. These and other studies indicate that porous or unpolished Si 3 N 4 osteointegrates with adjacent bone [102][103][104][105][106] and exhibits bacteriostasis [106,107] . In its dense and polished form, it has been shown to produce implants with exceptionally low wear rates [108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118].…”

The Rationale for Silicon Nitride Bearings in Orthopaedic Applications

“…55 Other potential biomedical applications of silicon nitride include drug-release devices, microelectromechanical systems (Bio-MEMS), and traumatic reconstructions of otorhinolaryngologic skeletal defects. [56][57][58][59] A cancellous-structured porous silicon nitride composite ceramic has been developed and is in commercial use as a spinal fusion implant; cylindrical implants have shown bone ingrowth rates similar to those reported for porous titanium, indicating that porous silicon nitride is an excellent substrate for implants designed for direct, biological skeletal fixation. 60 New bone forms even in the cortical region of the rabbit tibia, and around silicon nitride implants, suggesting that the material is osteoconductive, and promotes stable osseous fixation.…”