The biocompatibility (cell culture and histologic study) of hydroxy-apatite-coated implants created by ion beam...

Titanium implants were coated with hydroxyapatite by using a method of ion beam dynamic mixing. Coated and noncoated plates of titanium were placed in a growth medium with fibroblast cells. Implant screws, coated and noncoated, were inserted in rabbit bones and the animals were euthanized after 7, 27, and 122 days, respectively. The results from the cell culture test showed no visible difference between the specimens. Histologic examination of implant specimens indicated more new bone activity against coated screws at 27 days, and that was more pronounced at 127 days. Although the amount of new bone formation was not significantly different, certain signs of favourable new bone formation could be seen in contact with coated implants compared to the noncoated controls.