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Reintegration of mobilized titanium implants. An experimental study in rabbit tibia
C J Ivanoff1, L Sennerby, U Lekholm
1Brånemark Clinic, Public Dental Health Service and Faculty of Odontology, Göteborg, Sweden.
International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Titanium implants loosened by mechanical stress can regain rigid bone fixation (osseointegration) after a secondary healing period. Monocortical implants showed improved osseointegration compared to controls, suggesting potential for reintegration after interface disruption.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic research
- Biomaterials science
- Surgical innovation
Background:
- Osseointegration is crucial for rigid bone-implant fixation.
- Mechanical loosening can compromise implant stability.
- Titanium implants are widely used in orthopedic and dental applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for re-establishing osseointegration after mechanical loosening in titanium implants.
- To evaluate the effect of monocortical versus bicortical fixation on implant reintegration.
- To assess the impact of a secondary healing period on bone-implant stability.
Main Methods:
- Rabbit tibia model with titanium implants (10mm monocortical and 16mm bicortical).
- Initial healing period followed by mechanical loosening (reverse torque).
- Secondary healing period and assessment via removal torque and histomorphometry.
Main Results:
- Monocortical test implants demonstrated significantly higher removal torque than controls, indicating successful reintegration.
- No significant differences in removal torque or morphology were observed for bicortical implants.
- Histomorphometric analysis revealed no discernible morphological differences between test and control implants.
Conclusions:
- Mobilized osseointegrated implants can potentially reintegrate after traumatic disruption of the bone-implant interface.
- Monocortical fixation may offer better potential for reintegration compared to bicortical fixation after loosening.
- Further research is warranted to explore clinical applications of secondary healing for implant stability.