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Refined Surgical Protocol for the Insertion of Bioactive-coated Titanium Microscrews in the Rat Tibia
Alexis Vera-Becerra1,2, Iván Valdivia-Gandur3, Pablo Acuña-Mardones2,4
1Master's Program in Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
In Vivo (Athens, Greece)
|January 2, 2026
Summary
A refined surgical protocol successfully implanted bioactive-coated screws in rat tibias, preserving coating integrity and ensuring primary stability. This method enhances animal model research for osseointegration and therapeutic agent delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surgical Innovation
- Animal Models in Research
Background:
- Bioactive coatings on medical implants, like polycaprolactone with cholecalciferol, are prone to mechanical damage during surgical procedures in animal models.
- Handling and implantation challenges can compromise the integrity of sensitive nanofibrous coatings, impacting study outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a refined surgical protocol for implanting polycaprolactone-cholecalciferol-coated titanium microscrews into rat proximal tibias.
- To ensure primary implant stability and preserve the structural integrity of the bioactive coating during the surgical procedure.
Main Methods:
- A refined surgical protocol involving enlarged cortical drilling (1.8 mm) prior to microscrew insertion (1.5×7 mm) was developed and validated using a 3D anatomical tibia model.
- Fourteen Sprague-Dawley rats underwent the procedure under multimodal anesthesia with postoperative analgesia and monitoring.
- Implant stability, coating integrity (SEM), bone-to-implant contact (micro-CT), wound healing, and animal welfare were assessed.
Main Results:
- The refined protocol demonstrated 100% procedural success, achieving immediate primary stability for all implants.
- Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the preservation of the nanofibrous coating's morphology.
- Micro-computed tomography showed consistent bone-to-implant contact, and animals exhibited rapid recovery and optimal welfare.
Conclusions:
- The refined protocol effectively protects functionalized implant surfaces, ensures stability, and promotes early osseointegration.
- This validated model supports research on osseointegration and localized therapeutic agent delivery in compliance with the 3Rs principles.
