Two-year biocompatibility study of ORNL graphite

A new grade of graphite-isotropic, fine-grained, and of superior strength-has been produced at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The possibility of using this material in orthopedic implants is under study at the University of Illinois. As part of this program, plugs 1/8 in. in diam were inserted in holes drilled in the proximal femur of 2 groups of 8-week old male rabbits. The groups were sacrificed at the end of 1 and 2 years. A single i.m. injection of achromycin was given 2 days prior to sacrifice. Thin sections of the plugs and surrounding tissue were examined by microradiography and optical microscopy (white light, polarizing, and fluorescent). All bone was normal. Minimal evidence of irritation or fibrous encapsulation appeared.