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Updated: May 14, 2026
An Improved Mechanical Testing Method to Assess Bone-implant Anchorage
Published on: February 10, 2014
[Dihydrotestosterone improves the osseointegration of cobalt-chromium implants]
U M Maus1, M Lühmann, J A K Ohnsorge
1Orthopädisches Zentrum, St. Antonius-Stift, Emstek. uwe.maus@kk-om.de
Background:
The osseointegration of actually rarely implanted cobalt-chromium implants can be critical in an elderly population. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative testosterone treatment on the osseointegration of cobalt-chromium implants.
Materials And Methods:
Press-fit implantation of 1.6 mm-diameter cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) implants was performed in rats without pre-treatment in one group (n = 10) and after pre-treatment with 1 mg dihydrotestosterone (DHT) 2 days before surgery in the other group (n = 10). After 14 days, the specimens were examined by a pull-out test, histology and histomorphometry.
Results:
The biomechanical testing delivered inconsistent data leading to no significant difference (6.45 ± 6.94 N vs. 4.66 ± 3.77 N). Histology showed closed contact between surrounding tissue and the implants in both groups. The bone/implant contact area was significantly enhanced after treatment with DHT (42.23 % ± 9.25 vs. 57.57 % ± 16.71, p < 0.05), while the ratio of osteoid was reduced (38.68 % ± 16.7 vs. 27.38 % ± 13.02, not significant).
Conclusions:
Pre-treatment with DHT enhances osseointegration of cobalt-chromium implants through enhanced mineralisation of peri-implant tissue. The treatment might additionally shorten postoperative rehabilitation due to its positive effects on musculature.
