Regenerative orthopaedics: in vitro, in vivo … in silico

Abstract

In silico, defined in analogy to in vitro and in vivo as those studies that are performed on a computer, is an essential step in problem solving and product development in classical engineering fields. The use of in silico models is now slowly easing its way into medicine. In silico models are already used in orthopaedics for the planning of complicated surgeries, personalised implant design and the analysis of gait measurements. However, these in silico models often lack the simulation of the response of the biological system over time. In silico models focusing on the response of the biological systems are in full development. This review starts with an introduction into in silico models of orthopaedic processes. Special attention is paid to the classification of models according to their spatiotemporal scale (gene/protein to population) and the information they were built on (data vs hypotheses). Subsequently, the review focusses on the in silico models used in regenerative orthopaedics research. Contributions of in silico models to an enhanced understanding and optimisation of four key elements -cells, carriers, culture and clinics -are illustrated. Finally, a number of challenges are identified, related to the computational aspects but also to the integration of in silico tools in clinical practice.

Ceramics and ceramic coatings in orthopaedics

“…Multiphysics simulation is a recent approach to computer modeling which simultaneously evaluates the effects of multiple environmental and operating parameters on product performance and reliability [651]. It has been adopted in the aerospace and automotive industries with considerable success [652,653], but is only now beginning to be used for orthopaedics [654]. Recent marked increases in computational power have enabled complex material and system simulations which heretofore have not been possible.…”

The role of growth factors in stem cell-directed chondrogenesis: a real hope for damaged cartilage regeneration

“…In the near future, stem cells may lead to a transition from traditional to personalized medicine. Finally, in the future, in silico models, which are widely-used in traditional engineering sectors, may also play an important role in regenerative orthopaedics research [70] because such models facilitate the optimal selection of cell type, culture conditions, and proper vectors for transfection or transduction studies and clinical procedures. …”

A atuação do laboratório de Engenharia Biomecânica (LEBm/HU-UFSC) na avaliação pré-clínica de tecnologias de implantes cirúrgicos no âmbito do complexo industrial da saúde

“…En este artículo, se describe la actuación en el área de extensión universitaria del Laboratorio de Ingeniería Biomecánica (LEBm) en el desarrollo del área de dispositivos médicos y en la capacitación de recursos humanos para la evaluación preclínica de tecnologías de implantes quirúrgicos fabricados en el Brasil. Cada vez mais ao longo das duas últimas décadas, testes in silico (realizados via simulação computacional) têm sido desenvolvidos para avaliar dispositivos e medicamentos, incluindo seu risco potencial para o público (Geris, 2014). Apoiado pela Food and Drug Administration (FDA, 2016) dos Estados Unidos, esta tecnologia pode ser usada para desenvolver modelos de células, órgãos e sistemas para melhor prever a segurança e a eficácia dos produtos.…”