Rutgers study reveals cause of bone loss in joint implant patients.

Byline: Jessica Perry

Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered the reason why many people with joint replacements experience harmful inflammation and bone loss.

The findings, published in the January issue of the journal Nature Materials, could pave the way for new therapies to reduce pain and prevent the need for follow-up surgery.

In a statement Rutgers reported that as many as 15 percent of joint replacements will fail, often requiring revision surgery to replace the implant. A major contributing factor is micro particles released from the prosthetic devices known as "wear debris" which are thought to promote inflammation, leading to pain, disappearance of bone tissue, loosening of the implant and ultimately failure of the implant to affix to the bone.

Until now, the specific pathways through which these particles promote inflammation have been unclear. The Rutgers study found white blood cells, called macrophages, respond to the particles as if they were harmful invaders and engulf them. But the cells then die, and secrete a specific molecule that triggers an even stronger immune response including inflammation that can cause tissue damage and bone destruction that leads to loosening of the implants.

"Bone degradation can occur within 10 to 15 years and often requires complex revision surgery to replace the implant and treat bone loss," said lead author of the study, William Gause, director of theCenter...

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