Interactions between mammalian cells and nano- or micro-sized wear particles: Physico-chemical views against biological approaches

• Wear particles from different arthroplasty materials differ in geometrical characteristics.
• Biological responses to wear particles depending on their characteristics are summarised.
• Particular characteristics of wear debris can cause osteolysis and implant failure.
• In-vivo results differ from in-vitro data.

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a more and more frequent approach for the treatment of end-stage osteoarthritis in young and active adults; it successfully relieves joint pain and improves function significantly enhancing the health-related quality of life. Aseptic loosening and other wear-related complications are some of the most recurrent reasons for revision of TJA. This review focuses on current understanding of the biological reactions to prosthetic wear debris comparing in vivo and in vitro results. Mechanisms of interactions of various types of cells with metal, polymeric and ceramic wear particles are summarised. Alternative views based on multidisciplinary approaches are proposed to consider physico-chemical, surface parameters of wear particles (such as: particle size, geometry and charge) and material (particle chemical composition and its nature) with biological effects (cellular responses).

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