The influence of fine surface structures on the osseo-integration of implants

The availability of inert materials like dense, pure Al2O3-ceramic or titanium allows the study of purely biomechanical influences of surface modulations or lacune on the osseo-integration of implants at different locations of the skeleton. The discovery of the "load-line-shadow" phenomenon in lacune of dental implants and the observation of the same effect in the grooves of hip sockets (Lindenhof type) indicate the general validity of the rules controlling the remodelling ability of bony tissue. Their application to the problems concerned with load transmission via surfaces which are mainly loaded by shear can contribute to achieve a well defined anchorage of implants.