Study of implanted biomaterial functionality by diphosphonate molecules labeled with radioactive99mTc

An implanted biomaterial can be transformed into young bone after some months, but it has not necessary reached full biofunctionality. Mineral concentration kinetics and crystal-structure studies, still being carried out in our group, are completed here by biofunctionality determinations. A natural coral is implanted in vivo at the cortical level of the femoral diaphyse in rabbits. Diphosphonates molecules labeled with radioactive^sup 99m^Tc are then injected in rabbits and the fixation of the radioactivity is analyzed in several sites for 8 mo after the implantation. Nuclear instruments and methods are used for the measurements. Four successive cycles of osseous remodeling are determined before reaching a biofunctional phase.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]