HISTOLOGIC EVALUATION OF THE OSSEOUS ADAPTATION TO TITANIUM AND HYDROXYAPATITE-COATED TITANIUM IMPLANTS

The aim of this study was to obtain more information about the bone reaction to titanium and hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium implants during the first 3 months after implantation. Therefore, uncoated and coated implants were inserted into the tibia of rabbits for various implantation periods. The histological results demonstrated that although there were no marked differences in bony reaction at the cortical level to the different implant materials, HA-coating appeared to induce more bone formation in the medullary cavity. It was also noted, that 3 months after insertion loss of coating thickness had occurred.