Significance of interstitial bone ingrowth under load-bearing conditions: A comparison between solid and porous implant materials

Interstitial bone ingrowth is extremely important for optimum fixation of implanted materials under load-bearing conditions. In this study, three types of biomaterial test piece were manufactured in solid and open-pore structures, and implanted into dog femoral condyles. Bone formation and remodelling were observed histologically and roentgenologically for 24 weeks thereafter. The study demonstrated that, 24 weeks after implantation, thick fibrous tissue surrounded by corticalized bone formed around both solid smooth-surfaced alumina and titanium implants. On the other hand, however, with an implant made of an artificial osteochondral composite material, thickening of ingrown trabeculae could be observed as early as 4 weeks. Bone ingrowth into the titanium fibre mesh was abundant and increased with time after implantation. This interstitial bone ingrowth resulted in the complete integration of this implant and the viable host bone. Our findings suggest that interstitial bone ingrowth has great significance, even though new bone formation and remodelling follows Wolff's law after the completion of the bonding between the bone and implanted material under load-bearing conditions. The artificial osteochondral composite material could lead to complete integration of the implant and viable bone, suggesting that it is a promising material for joint replacements. Moreover, the tibial joint surface which bore against the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel surface of this implant remained intact, which suggests that this composite is a very promising biomaterial for use in joint prostheses. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Limited