Cortical Bone Response of MDF Titanium Implant

Abstract

Multi-directional forging (MDF) method is one of the useful techniques for improving the mechanical properties of metals and alloys. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the cortical bone response of MDF titanium implant by the implantation experiments into the rabbit tibiae. Multi-directionally forged titanium (MDF-Ti) cylinder implants and commercial pure titanium cylinder implants (Ti) with 3.5 mm in diameter and 7.0 mm in height were used. Half of Ti and MDF-Ti were sandblasted. These implants were implanted into bone defects of rabbit tibiae. After 12 weeks postsurgery, the implants were excised and nondecalcified thin sections were prepared. Fluorochrome green labeling by the administration of calcein was clearly observed around both implants at 11 weeks after implantation. No significant difference was observed in length of fluorescence labeling between Ti-Sandblast and MDF-Ti-Sandblast implants (p>0.05). After 12 weeks of implantation, new bone formation was observed around four different implants. There were no significant differences in bone-to-implant contact ratio (BIC) and bone mass (BM) between Ti-As and MDF-As (p>0.05). BICs between Ti-Sandblast and MDF-Ti-Sandblast were not also significantly different (p>0.05). BICs were not significantly increased by sandblasting (p>0.05), but BMs were increased by sandblasting (p<0.05). In conclusion, it revealed that MDF-Ti showed a cortical bone response same as conventional commercial titanium. MDF-Ti will be a candidate for dental implant material instead of titanium alloys.