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Effect of surface topography on removal of cortical bone screws in a novel sheep model
Author(s) -
Pearce Alexandra I.,
Pearce Simon G.,
Schwieger Karsten,
Milz Stefan,
Schneider Erich,
Archer Charles W.,
Richards R. Goeff
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1002/jor.20665
Subject(s) - polishing , materials science , implant , cortical bone , titanium , cancellous bone , surface roughness , dentistry , biomedical engineering , torque , composite material , metallurgy , medicine , surgery , anatomy , physics , thermodynamics
Difficulty in removing implants used in trauma patients can be a complication, and increased bone–implant adhesion likely is a major contributing factor. In vitro studies have shown that surface morphology of implant materials has the ability to influence cellular responses, with polished surfaces decreasing the potential for mineralization. This study examined the effect of polishing commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and the titanium alloy TAN on the removal torque and percentage bone–implant contact in cortical and cancellous bone of sheep. Polishing had a significant effect on both removal torque and percentage bone–implant contact, with the polished implants demonstrating a lower removal torque in both cortical and cancellous bone. Polished cpTi and stainless steel were similar in terms of surface roughness and removal torque. However, polished TAN, which was not as smooth as polished cpTi, did not show the same low level for reducing removal torque. Improved polishing of TAN should reduce the removal torque further. The results of the study show that polishing is promising in improving the ease of implant removal after fracture fixation and repair. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1377–1383, 2008