• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-4
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• 2006

Biodegradable $\beta$-tricalcium phosphate ( $\beta$-TCP)/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) composites were synthesized by in-situ polymerization with microwave energy. The influence of the $\beta$-TCP content in $\beta$-TCP/PLGA composites on the molecular weight, crystallinity, microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. As the molecular weight of composites decreased, the $\beta$-TCP content increased up to 10 wt.%, while the excess addition of the $\beta$-TCP content above 10 wt.% the molecular weight increased with increasing of the $\beta$-TCP content. This behavior would be due to the superheating effect or nonthermal effect induced by microwave energy. It was found that the bending strength and Young's modulus of the $\beta$-TCP/PLGA composites was proportional to the molecular weight of PLGA. The bending strength of the $\beta$-TCP/PLGA composites ranged from 18 to 38 MPa, while Young's modulus was in the range from 2 to 6 GPa.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.676-680
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• 2006

The biodegradable $\beta$-tricalcium phosphate ($\beta$-TCP)/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) composites were synthesized by in situ polymerization with microwave energy. The degradation behavior of $\beta$-TCP/PLGA composite was investigated by soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 4 weeks. The molecular weight of the $\beta$-TCP/PLGA composites decreased with soaking time until week 2, whereas the loss rate of molecular weight reduced after week 2. The incubation time was needed for the degradation of the $\beta$-TCP, indicating that the $\beta$-TCP should be detached from the PLGA matrix and then degraded into SBF solution. The studies of mass loss of the composites with the soaking time revealed that the degradation behavior of PLGA would be processed with the transformation from the polymer to the oligomer followed by the degradation. Morphological changes, whisker-like, due to transformation and degradation of polymer in the composites were observed after week 2. On the basis of the results, it found that the degradation behavior of $\beta$-TCP/PLGA composites was influenced by the $\beta$-TCP content in the composites and the degradation rate of the composites could be controlled by the initial molecular weight of PLGA in the composites.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2018

Background: This study is performed to evaluate anchor-related outcomes and complications after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using 30% ${\beta}$-tricalcium phosphate (${\beta}$-TCP) with 70% poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) biocomposite suture anchors. Methods: A total of 78 patients (mean age, $61.3{\pm}6.9years$) who underwent arthroscopic medium-to-large full-thickness rotator cuff tear repair were enrolled. The technique employed 30% ${\beta}$-TCP with 70% PLGA biocomposite suture anchors at the medial row (38 patients, Healix $BR^{TM}$ anchor [Healix group]; 40 patients, Fixone anchor B [Fixone group]). The radiologic outcomes (including perianchor cyst formation or bone substitution) and anatomical outcomes of the healing failure rate were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging at least 6 months after surgery, the pain visual analogue scale at 3, 6 months, and final follow-up visit, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores at least 1 year postoperatively. Anchor-related complications were also evaluated. Results: The perianchor cyst formation incidence was similar for both groups (60.5%, Healix group; 60.0%, Fixone group; p=0.967), although severe perianchor cyst incidence was slightly lower in the Fixone group (15.0%) than in the Healix group (21.1%). There was no occurrence of anchor absorption and bone substitution. No differences were observed in the healing failure rate (13.2%, Healix group; 15.0%, Fixone group; p=0.815) and functional outcome between groups (all p>0.05). Anchor breakage occurred in 5 patients (2 Healix anchors and 3 Fixone anchors); however, there were no major anchor-related complications in either group. Conclusions: No differences were observed in the clinical outcomes of the Healix and Fixone groups, neither were there any accompanying major anchor-related complications.