Evaluation of Connective Tissue Cell Responses to Orthopaedic Implant Materials

We have developed an in vitro cell culture model to examine the interaction between connective tissue cells and orthopaedic implant biomaterials. Human connective tissue cells grown on different materials exhibit distinct responses in terms of attachment, morphology, proliferative capacity and matrix biosynthesis. Our results closely complement in vivo observations concerning biocompatibility and demonstrate the usefulness of this in vitro system for evaluating biomaterials. More importantly, this model can be used to define the specific cellular and biochemical processes that are responsible for the local tissue responses to orthopaedic implant materials.