[Histologic and Histomorphometric Follow-up Observations of Osseointegration of Corundum-blasted BMP-3 Coated Titanium Test Implants (Ti6Al4V) at Orthotopic Site in the Giant Rabbit]

Aim: To establish whether the additional coating of titanium implants with Bone Morphogenetic Protein-3 (BMP-3) might enhance osseous integration.

Method: Each of 15 cylindrical titanium test implants (Ti-6AI-4V) was coated using 230 micrograms porcine BMP-3. A further 15 implants with identical (corundium-blasted) surface served as negative controls. An uncoated and a BMP-3-coated test object were implanted into the femurs of 15 adult giant rabbits. New formation of bone around the implants was examined microscopically and histomorphometrically on postoperative days 14, 35 and 56.

Results: Coated implants revealed superior osseointegration with statistical evaluation using the t-test for matched samples showing a significantly higher volume of new bone 5 weeks after surgery. Microscopic examination revealed osseointegration with no connective tissue membrane around the surface of the implants.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that composite metal implants are suitable carriers for BMP-3 and that improved fixation of the implants can be achieved.