Orthopaedic implant failure: Aseptic implant loosening - the contribution and future challenges of mouse models in translational research

Abstract

Aseptic loosening induced by UHMWPE wear particles is considered the main cause of longterm implant failure in orthopaedic surgery. The current therapy consists of surgical revision and implant replacement, carrying severe consequences for public health. Over the past 20 years, preclinical approaches including mouse models have been essential in the advances made in the understanding of the pathophysiology of periprosthetic osteolysis involved in the loosening process. However, while encouraging results have been obtained in vivo, there is still no valid clinical alternative to revision surgery. This review provides an overview of the current approaches used to study the biology of periprosthetic osteolysis and discusses the contributions, limitations and future challenges of mouse models for a successful translation of the preclinical advances into clinical applications.