In vivo evaluation of the trabecular bone behavior to porous electrostatic spray deposition-derived calcium phosphate coatings

Abstract

Objectives: Electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) is a new technique to deposit calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bone behavior of ESD CaP-coated implants with various degrees of crystallinities in the trabecular bone of the femoral condyle of goats. Material and methods: Using the ESD technique, thin porous CaP coatings were deposited on tapered, conical, screw-shaped titanium implants. Three different heat-treatments were applied, resulting in amorphous CaP (400°C, ESD1), crystalline carbonate apatite (500°C, ESD2), and crystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite (700°C, ESD3). Implants were inserted into the trabecular bone of the femoral condyles of goats for 12 weeks, and titanium (Ti) implants served as controls. Results: The results showed that ESD-derived coatings are osteocompatible. Histomorphometrical analysis showed that the application of a CaP coating resulted in more bone contact along the press-fit area of the implant compared with the Ti implants. Moreover, the percentage bone contact of the ESD3-coated implants was increased, compared with the Ti control group. Regarding the other coatings, no differences were found compared with the control group. Conclusion: Crystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite ESD-coated implants positively influenced the biological performance compared with Ti control implants. © 2007 Blackwell Munksgaard.