Osteoblast Adhesion in Rabbit to Machined vs. Sandblasted and Acid-etched Titanium Implants

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the osteoblast adhesion to machined and sandblasted implants placed in the rabbit tibia. Several strategies have been employed to modify the surface texture, and thus increase the surface area of implants, with the aim of enhancing the reaction of bone to the implant. Increased surface roughness may increase installation torque and thus appear to increase the initial stability of an implant. Methods: The implants used were 3,75 mm x 10 mm in diameter per length. 9 titanium sandblastedand AND acid-etched and 9 machined T.B.R implants (Benax, Ancona, Italy). The animals were killed after 10 days by an overdose of anesthesia. Each rabbit received 2 implants. Osteoblast adhesion onto the 2 groups of specimens was investigated. The number of the adhered cells onto the specimens was counted using a semiautomatic technique, including a light microscope connected to a high resolution video camera (3CCD, JVC KY-F55B) and interfaced to a monitor and PC (AMD 1300). This optical system was associated with a digitizing pad (Matrix Vision GmbH) and a histometry software package with image capturing capabilities. Results: machined implant; osteoblasts in the process of producing osteoid matrix toward the implant surface. No inflammatory cells were present. Few osteoblasts were observed on the implant surface. Number osteoblast adhesion on machined implant was 5,6 +/- 1.79 % (osteoblast-implant contact percentage). Sandblasted and acid-etched implant; osteoblasts were in direct contact with implant and were secreting osteoid matrix directly on the implant surface. Number osteoblast adhesion was 14,9 +/- 1,9 % (osteoblast-implant contact percentage). Analysis of number of osteoblast adhesion revealed a statistically significant difference (P<0.001) between machined and sandblasted acid-etched titanium Conclusion:our results show that a sandblasted surface has a higher osteoblast adhesion percentage than a machined one.