Tissue Response to Implants

Abstract

In order to implant any prostheses, a surgeon has to first injure the tissue. The injured or diseased tissues should then be removed to some extent in the process of implantation. The success of the entire operation depends on the kind and degree of tissue response to the surgical procedure and any interactions between tissues and implants. The local and systemic response of the tissues toward implants comprise an aspect of biocompatibility. Biocompatibility entails mechanical, chemical, pharmacological, and surface compatibility (as mentioned in Chapter 1). Some examples of tissue response to various implants are summarized in Table 10-1. The study of tissue response is critical for the success of implants, yet we do not have good “quantitative methods” of measuring tissue responses. The tissue response toward injury may vary widely according to site, species, contamination, etc. However, the inflammation and cellular response to the wound for both intentional and accidental injuries are the same regardless of site.