Bone response to machined and resorbable blast material titanium implants: an experimental study in rabbits.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was a comparison of implants' responses to a machined surface and to a surface sandblasted with hydroxyapatite (HA) particles (resorbable blast material [RBM]). Threaded machined and RBM, grade 3, commercially pure, titanium, screw-shaped inplants were used in this study. Twenty-four New Zealand white mature male rabbits were used. The inplants were inserted into the articular femoral knee joint according to a previously described technique. Each rabbit received 2 inplants, 1 test (RBM) and 1 control (machined). A total of 48 implants (24 control and 24 test) were inserted. The rabbits were anesthetized with intramuscular injections of fluanisone (0.7 mg/ kg body weight) and diazepam (1.5 mg/kg b.wt.), and local anesthesia was given using 1 mL of 2% lidocaine/adrenalin solution. Two rabbits died in the postoperative course. Four animals were euthanatized with an overdose of intravenous pentobarbital after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks; 6 rabbits were euthanatized after 8 weeks. A total of 44 implants were retrieved. The specimens were processed with the Precise 1 Automated System to obtain thin ground sections. A total of 3 slides were obtained for each implant. The slides were stained with acid and basic fuchsin and toluidine blue. The slides were observed in normal transmitted light under a Leitz Laborlux microscope, and histomorphometric analysis was performed. With the machined implants, it was possible to observe the presence of bone trabeculae near the implant surface at low magnification. At higher magnification many actively secreting alkaline phosphatasepositive (ALP+) osteoblasts were observed. In many areas, a not yet mineralized matrix was present. After 4 to 8 weeks, mature bone appeared in direct contact with the implant surface, but in many areas a not yet mineralized osteoid matrix was interposed between the mineralized bone and implant surface. In the RBM implants, many ALP+ osteoblasts were present and in direct contact with the implant surface. In other areas of the implant perimeter it was possible to observe the formation of an osteoid matrix directly on the implant surface. Mature bone with few marrow spaces was present after 4 to 8 weeks. Beginning in the third week, a statistically significant difference (P < .001) was found in the bone-implant contact percentages in machined and RBM implants. It must be stressed that these results have been obtained in a passive, nonloaded situation.