Osseointegration of polyethylene implants coated with titanium and biomimetically or electrochemically deposited hydroxyapatite in a rabbit model

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the osseointegration of a new coating directly deposited on PE at room temperature.

Methods

Thirty-six (36) male New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to receive one out of three types of implants: two tested implants, i.e. PE implant coated with TiPVD and biomimetic HA (biomimetic), PE implant coated with TiPVD and electrolytic HA (electrolytic), and positive control made of massive microrough titanium coated with plasma sprayed HA (TiHAPS). Osseointegration was evaluated by histomorphometry (bone tissue in contact BIC]), mineralized bone area MBA]) and mechanical testing (push-out test, interfacial shear strength ISS]) at six and 12 weeks in the distal femurs.

Results

For BIC there were no differences between the groups at six (p?=?0.98) and 12 weeks (p?=?0.13). For MBA, no statistically significant difference was measured between groups at six (p?=?0.52) and 12 weeks (p?=?0.57). At six weeks, interfacial shear strength (ISS) was significantly higher (p?=?0.01) for TiHAPs implants compared to biomimetic and electrolytic implants. This difference was not significant at 12 weeks (p?=?0.92).

Conclusion

The osseointegration of biomimetic and electrolytic implants was equivalent to a positive control at 12 weeks.