[Investigation for bone fixation effect of thin HA coated layer on Ti implants]

In 1995, the author reported the development of unique cementless total hip joints applying hydroxyapatite (HA) flame coating onto a porous titanium surface which is arc-sprayed with pure titanium material in argon gas at atmospheric pressure. The surface roughness of the porous layer was 360 microm Rmax, and the layer was more resistant to blast erosion than the conventional low pressure plasma sprayed porous layers. The thickness of the HA layer was between 20 and 40 microns considering the balance of bone conduction effect of HA and the risk of mechanical detachment of the layers from the porous titanium. Short-term animal tests showed excellent results. At that time a specific question was raised as to whether or not the coated HA layers would remain in the living bone for a long time. The results obtained from observation of retrieved specimens show that the thickness of the HA coating layer is sufficient for new bone formation after implantation, and HA would be absorbed in the body within a few years, after contributing to the new bone formation.