Release of elements from retrieved maxillofacial plates and screws
C Bertoldi1, J M Pradelli, U Consolo
1Department of Neurosciences, Head-Neck and Rehabilitation, Section of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|September 17, 2005
Summary
Vitallium implants release elements like cobalt, chromium, and nickel into surrounding tissues. Aluminium from screw coatings accumulates in bone and soft tissues, suggesting potential material modifications for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Materials Science
Background:
- Vitallium appliances are used in orthopedic and dental surgery.
- Concerns exist regarding the long-term biocompatibility and elemental release from metallic implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the elemental release and accumulation from Vitallium appliances and surrounding tissues.
- To evaluate the correlation between implant materials and tissue inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of explanted Vitallium microplates and screws (n=4 and n=16, respectively) from three patients.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microprobe analysis of tissues and implant components.
- Histological examination of paraffin and PMMA tissue sections.
Main Results:
- Continuous release of elements from metallic appliances into adjacent soft tissues was observed.
- Cobalt, chromium, and nickel were detected in soft and bone tissues near the implants.
- Aluminium from screw coatings accumulated significantly in soft tissues and lamellar bone.
Conclusions:
- Aluminium-containing coatings on implants may lead to adverse tissue accumulation.
- Reducing the duration of implant placement may mitigate elemental release and accumulation.
- Further research is needed on aluminium's fate in bone and long-term implant element release.
