A comparative experimental investigation in monkeys between three different implant materials

To study the tissue integration of 2 new potential biomaterials (whisker silicon carbide, reinforced aluminum oxide, and zirconium oxide strengthened aluminium oxide) a comparative investigation between these ceramic materials and unalloyed titanium was performed on monkeys. Cylindrical implants (4 x 6 mm) were inserted in the femur of 10 adult monkeys. After observation periods ranging from 1 to 8 months the animals were killed and clinical and histological evaluations (microradiography and light-microscopy) were carried out. After 6-8 months, the implants were covered with bone and firmly attached, indicating an uneventful healing. Histologically, a close connection between bone and implant was observed. At some areas the implants were totally osseointegrated and at some areas there were soft tissue layers between implant and bone. No differences in bone repair with regard to the different materials could be observed.