Interface between titanium 6,4 alloy implants and bone.

This paper presents the results of animal studies on the interface between 6 aluminum, 4 vanadium, titanium alloy and bone. 7 New Zealand white rabbits were anaesthetised and a new design of threaded implant inserted into the tibial metaphysis of each leg. 3 further animals had fine lathe turnings inserted in the same site. The animals were sacrificed 7 weeks later and the implants removed together with the surrounding bone. After suitable processing of the specimens, they were subjected to scanning and transmission electron microscope studies. Compact bone was found in close proximity to the surface of the metal. With higher magnifications, the bone was found to be in intimate contact with the metal. There was no suggestion of the presence of cells or uncalcified collagen fibres between the bone and the implant. At the highest magnification, there was the appearance of a homogenous transition from the bone to the metal, suggesting a biological adhesion.