Early detection of osseointegration using scanning electron microscopy and the interfacial biopsy chamber: a pilot...

This pilot project attempted to demonstrate microscopic evidence of osseointegration in a controlled environment as originally presented by Brånemark. The Interfacial Biopsy Chamber was developed to collect titanium/tissue serial biopsies of the implant-tissue interface at various stages of wound healing. It was surgically placed in two Flemish giant rabbits and titanium/tissue biopsies were collected at 35 and 70 days. The biopsies were examined using scanning electron microscopy (x2000, x3200, and x7500) and light microscopy (x230). Osseous tissue was found in intimate contact with the titanium implant surface with no evidence of an intervening fibrous layer. Cells with the morphological characteristics of osteoblasts were observed covering the titanium surface. Processes extending from the main body of these cells were in intimate contact with the titanium surface, following the machining striations. The photomicrographs were similar to those presented earlier by Brånemark. The project also suggested the use of the Interfacial Biopsy Chamber as a research instrument for the collection of implant/tissue interface serial biopsy samples.