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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Surgical Angiogenesis in Porcine Tibial Allotransplantation: A New Large Animal Bone Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation Model
Published on: August 13, 2017
A histomorphometric and biomechanical study of the effect of delayed titanium implant placement in irradiated rabbit
A A Johnsson1, T Sawaii, M Jacobsson
1Department of Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden.
Background:
The time interval from irradiation to implant surgery has been considered an impact factor for implant integration in irradiated bone and the importance of a long interval between the radiation trauma and reconstructive bone surgery has been suggested.
Purpose:
The present study was undertaken to histomorphometrically and biomechanically analyze the effect of delayed implant placement on bone healing around titanium implants in irradiated bone.
Materials And Methods:
Rabbits were given a single dose of 15 Gy Cobalt60 radiation to one hind leg, the other hind leg serving as a control. Titanium screws were inserted into the femur and tibia directly and at 12 weeks and 52 weeks after irradiation. The implants were evaluated after a healing time of 8 weeks. The torques necessary for removal of the implants were measured. Histomorphometry with respect to bone-metal contact and amount of bone surrounding the implants was performed.
Results:
The biomechanical force necessary to unscrew the titanium implants in the irradiated bone was significantly increased after a resting period of 1 year between irradiation and implant placement, compared to direct implant placement. The histomorphometric evaluation showed an improvement of bone healing around the implants in the irradiated bone, both after a resting period of 12 weeks and after 1 year compared to direct implant placement.
Conclusions:
It is concluded that a relatively long interval between irradiation and reconstructive bone surgery will improve osseointegration of titanium implants in irradiated rabbit bone.

