| Biocompatible Materials » Project survey » Main projects » Optimal surface topography for bone anchored implants | ||
| Background and description Two methods for implant surface modification were evaluated in preclinical animal studies: a photolithographic method and a laser ablation method. The laser ablation method gave the most promising results, and was further developed and used to systematically change the microstructure of the surface. The continued work in the project demonstrated clearly that there is indeed an optimal surface, in terms of shape and pattern of the surface irregularities, for a faster and firmer bone fixation, compared with the turned implant surface that presently is the clinically most well documented surface. The technical characterization methods used in the project were scanning electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy and optical surface profilometry. Biological evaluations were performed in a well documented animal model. Biological evaluation methods used as standard were: measuring the torque needed to loosen the screws from the bone with an electrical torque transducer, histomorphometry and Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA). Scientific results One of the challenges in this project has been to link an optimal tissue response of an implant surface to manufacturing methods, being achievable not only in a laboratory environment, but also in a large scale manufacturing situation. That is the reason why the photolithographic method was discarded, and the laser ablation method used in the continued research.  |
