Effect of Surface Chemistry on the Rate of Osseointegration of Sintered Porous-Surfaced Ti-6Al-4V Implants

Purpose: The effect of adding a thin sol-gel-formed calcium phosphate (CaP) coating to sintered porous-surfaced titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) implants on rates of initial bone ingrowth was investigated. Materials and Methods: Control implants (as manufactured) and similar implants with sol-gel CaP coatings were randomly placed in distal femoral rabbit condyles (1 implant/leg). After healing for 6, 9, 12, and 16 days, 8 of 10 rabbits in each time group were assessed for maximum implant pullout force (N) and interface stiffness (N/mm). Selected extracted implants also were examined by secondary electron imaging to characterize affected surfaces. The implants of the remaining 2 rabbits in each group were examined by backscattered scanning electron microscopy (BSEM). Results: Significantly greater pullout forces and interface stiffness were found for CaP-coated implants at 6 and 9 days. At 6 days, BSEM revealed bone ingrowth on CaP-coated implants but not on control implants. Secondary electron imaging and BSEM observations also suggested greater bone ingrowth with CaP-coated porous implants at 9, 12, and 16 days. Discussion: Sol-gel-formed CaP surface films significantly enhance rates of bone ingrowth into sintered porous-surfaced implants. Conclusion: This surface treatment may have a number of clinical benefits, including shortening the period prior to functional loading of such implants and improving treatment outcomes in situations of poor bone quality and/or quantity. (More than 50 references)