Bilayered calcium phosphate coating to promote osseointegration of a femoral stem prosthesis

A bilayered bioactive-gradient coating, consisting of a superficial layer of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and a deep layer of hydroxyapatite (HA), promotes faster osseointegration and higher shear strength in non-loading conditions than do monolayer BCP or HA coatings. This study evaluated the biofunctionality of this coating in weight-bearing conditions at 6 and 12 months. The coating was plasma-sprayed on the metaphyseal portion of a sandblasted Ti6A14V canine femoral prosthesis implanted using the surgical press-fit technique. An identical uncoated stem served as the control. Metaphyseal bone-to-implant apposition was increased for coated (similar to 90% and 80% respectively at 6 and 12 months) as compared to uncoated implant (similar to 7% at 6 and 12 months). Limited bone apposition was observed at the diaphyseal level. After 12 months, the uncoated implant interface consisted of well-organized, active fibrous tissue, whereas only inactive fibrous tissue interposition was observed at diaphyseal levels of the coated implant. At 6 months, the mineralization apposition rate (MAR) was similar, regardless of implant or bone structures. At 12 months, a significant decrease of MAR was observed around the uncoated implant. Transmission electron microscopy studies of the interface showed precipitation of biological apatite crystals in close association with mineralized collagenous bone matrix. Our results suggest a direct relationship between bioactivity and enhanced bone formation. The sandwich coating used is effective in promoting massive metaphyseal osseointegration, which ensures mechanical stability for early weight-bearing and should prevent long-term complications. (C) 2003 Kluwer Academic Publishers.