The tissue response to screw-shaped implants of commercially pure titanium was studied 3–180 days after insertion in the rabbit tibia by means of transmission electron microscopy. Red blood cells and scattered macrophages predominated at the implant surface after 3 days. At day 7 and later intervals, multinuclear giant cells were the cell type found at the implant surface protruding into the bone marrow and in areas with no bone-titanium contact. Osteoblasts or mesenchymal cells were rarely seen at the implant surface at any time period. Two modes of mineralization could be distinguished in the interface. Firstly, the typical mineralization of osteoid seams produced by osteoblasts. Secondly, an accumulation of scattered hydroxyapatite crystals in the unmineralized collagen matrix in the interface. Mineralized tissue was observed close to the implants surface from day 14. However, the innermost 2–20 μm were poorly mineralized although scattered hydroxyapatite crystals were present. The collagen fibrils did not reach the implant surface but were separated from it by an amorphous layer, being 0.3–0.5 μm thick which did not decrease in width with time. An electron-dense lamina limitans-like line containing mineral was observed between the amorphous layer and the bone tissue.
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Sennerby, L., Thomsen, P. & Ericson, L.E. Early tissue response to titanium implants inserted in rabbit cortical bone. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 4, 494–502 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00120129
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00120129