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Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Oral Biofilm Formation on Different Materials for Dental Implants
Published on: June 24, 2018
[Implant-associated post-traumatic osteomyelitis. Bacterial biofilms and the immune defence as protagonists of the
C Wagner1, G M Hänsch, A Wentzensen
1Klinik für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik, Ludwig-Guttmann-Strasse 13, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Deutschland. christof.wagner@urz.uni-heidelberg.de
Background:
Formation of bacterial biofilms on implants is a severe complication following orthopaedic surgery. In the present study we addressed the role of the immune response, particularly with regard to the pathogenesis of the disease.
Methods:
In a prospective study comprising 74 patients with implant-associated post-traumatic osteomyelitis, peripheral blood cells as well as cells recovered from the infected site during surgery were characterised phenotypically and functionally.
Results:
We found massive infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), which were highly activated, particularly regarding their bactericidal potential, such as increased production of superoxides and upregulation of activation-associated surface receptors.
Conclusion:
PMN are activated in response to the implant-associated osteomyelitis; they also infiltrate the infected tissue, but cannot control the infection. By release of their cytotoxic entities they could contribute to tissue destruction and eventually to osteolysis.
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