Osseointegration of anodized titanium implants under different current voltages: a rabbit study

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Research
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Titanium's oxide layer is crucial for osseointegration due to its stability and biocompatibility.
• Anodic oxidation (anodization) is a surface modification technique for titanium implants.
• Understanding the impact of anodizing voltage on oxide layer characteristics is key for improving implant performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the characteristics of oxide layers formed on titanium implants via anodization.
• To evaluate the effect of different anodizing voltages on bone healing and implant integration.
• To compare the osseointegration of anodized titanium implants with conventionally turned surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Commercially pure titanium (Grade 2) screw-type implants were prepared with turned surfaces (Group 1) or anodized at 190 V (Group 2), 230 V (Group 3), and 270 V (Group 4).
• Surface characteristics were inspected, and removal torque was measured after 4 weeks of healing.
• Histomorphometric analysis was conducted 6 weeks post-implantation in rabbit tibiae.

Main Results:

• Increasing anodizing voltage resulted in larger and more numerous pores in the oxide layer.
• Higher anodizing voltages led to a thicker oxide layer containing crystalline TiO(2) with Ca and P inclusions.
• Group 4 (270 V) exhibited significantly higher removal torque and bone-to-implant contact percentages compared to other groups.

Conclusions:

• Anodized titanium implants demonstrate improved osseointegration compared to turned implants.
• The anodizing voltage significantly influences the oxide layer's structure and its interaction with bone tissue.
• Anodization is a promising surface treatment for enhancing early bone healing and implant stability.