Biomechanical and biological properties of the implant material carbon-carbon composite covered with pyrolytic carbon

The aim of this study was to test C/C material (carbonized, graphitized or covered with pyrolytic carbon) designated for the use in orthopaedic and bone surgery. Using an in vitro assay we confirmed, that the cell proliferation was exhibited the mostly on the C/C composite coated with pyrolitic carbon and afterwards polished. The two latest of subsequent water extracts of this material had a slightly inhibiting effect on the cells metabolic activity. Biocompatibility test in vivo performed subcutaneously on rats did not show big differences between three tested implants (C/C composite, epoxy resine, titanium alloy), on the other hand the plates tested on pigs demonstrated foreign-body reaction induced by wear C/C composite material. Such debris were found both in the neighborhood of the implant as well as in the lymphatic node. (C) 2000 Kluwer Academic Publishers.