eCM (Eur Cell Mater / e Cells & Materials) eCM Open Access Scientific Journal
 ISSN:1473-2262         NLM:100973416 (link)         DOI:10.22203/eCM

2013   Volume No 25 – pages 326-340

Title: Osseointegration of biochemically modified implants in an osteoporosis rodent model

Author: B Stadlinger, P Korn, N Tödtmann, U Eckelt, U Range, A Bürki, SJ Ferguson, I Kramer, A Kautz, M Schnabelrauch, M Kneissel, F Schlottig

Address: Clinic of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University of Zurich, Plattenstr. 11, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland

E-mail: bernd.stadlinger at zzm.uzh.ch

Key Words: Implant; osseointegration; osteoporosis; animal model; surface coating; histomorphometry; biomechanics.

Publication date: July 8th 2013

Abstract: The present study examined the impact of implant surface modifications on osseointegration in an osteoporotic rodent model. Sandblasted, acid-etched titanium implants were either used directly (control) or were further modified by surface conditioning with NaOH or by coating with one of the following active agents: collagen/chondroitin sulphate, simvastatin, or zoledronic acid. Control and modified implants were inserted into the proximal tibia of aged ovariectomised (OVX) osteoporotic rats (n = 32/group). In addition, aged oestrogen competent animals received either control or NaOH conditioned implants. Animals were sacrificed 2 and 4 weeks post-implantation. The excised tibiae were utilised for biomechanical and morphometric readouts (n = 8/group/readout). Biomechanical testing revealed at both time points dramatically reduced osseointegration in the tibia of oestrogen deprived osteoporotic animals compared to intact controls irrespective of NaOH exposure. Consistently, histomorphometric and microCT analyses demonstrated diminished bone-implant contact (BIC), peri-implant bone area (BA), bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) and bone-mineral density (BMD) in OVX animals. Surface coating with collagen/chondroitin sulphate had no detectable impact on osseointegration. Interestingly, statin coating resulted in a transient increase in BIC 2 weeks post-implantation; which, however, did not correspond to improvement of biomechanical readouts. Local exposure to zoledronic acid increased BIC, BA, BV/TV and BMD at 4 weeks. Yet this translated only into a non-significant improvement of biomechanical properties. In conclusion, this study presents a rodent model mimicking severely osteoporotic bone. Contrary to the other bioactive agents, locally released zoledronic acid had a positive impact on osseointegration albeit to a lesser extent than reported in less challenging models.

Article download: Pages 326-340 (PDF file)
DOI: 10.22203/eCM.v025a23