Biomedical
Hydrogel Use in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Zeynep Bal,
Nobuyuki Takakura
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a vascular disease of unknown etiology and can be categorized mainly into two types: non-traumatic and traumatic ONFH. Understanding osteogenic–angiogenic coupling is crucial for developing solutions for ONFH treatment. Hydrogels, due to their extracellular matrix (ECM)-like properties, have gained popularity for their ability to retain water, adjust properties, injectability, and mimicry of natural ECM. This review explores bone grafting, hydrogel applications, and vascular systems in ONFH, summarizing promising clinical results. Hydrogels hold potential in bone regeneration, particularly in early ONFH cases, offering a minimally invasive and effective alternative to conventional treatments.
Key Questions
1. What are hydrogels, and how do they support bone regeneration?
Hydrogels are polymeric materials with properties resembling the extracellular matrix (ECM), enabling them to retain water and support cellular growth. In bone regeneration, hydrogels serve as scaffolds to deliver growth factors, promote vascularization, and support osteogenesis by providing a conducive microenvironment for cell proliferation and differentiation.
2. What is osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) and its primary causes?
ONFH is a vascular disease characterized by the death of bone tissue in the femoral head due to insufficient blood supply. Primary causes include trauma (e.g., hip fractures), corticosteroid use, alcohol abuse, and underlying conditions like sickle cell anemia or lupus.
3. How do hydrogels enhance the treatment of ONFH compared to traditional methods?
Hydrogels provide a minimally invasive alternative to conventional treatments like core decompression or total hip replacement. Their injectability and ECM-mimicking properties enable localized delivery of growth factors and cells, promoting bone regeneration and reducing surgical risks.
4. What are the advantages of hydrogel-based treatments in bone tissue engineering?
Hydrogel-based treatments offer advantages such as enhanced biocompatibility, controlled release of therapeutic agents, injectability for minimally invasive procedures, and the ability to support both osteogenesis (bone formation) and angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), crucial for long-term bone health.
5. How does vascularization impact the effectiveness of bone regeneration therapies?
Vascularization is critical for bone regeneration as it provides essential nutrients and oxygen to the regenerating tissue. Hydrogels can be designed to promote angiogenesis, ensuring a robust vascular network that enhances the integration and longevity of regenerated bone.
