Effect of 20 μm thin ceramic coatings of hydroxyapatite, bioglass, GB14 and Beta-Tricalciumphosphate with copper on the biomechanical stability of femoral implants

In the present work, we test four thin coatings for titanium implants, namely, bioglass, GB14, Beta-Tricalciumphosphate (β-TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) with and without incorporated copper ions for their osteointegrative capacity. A rabbit drill hole model for time intervals up to 24 weeks was used in this study. Implant fixation was evaluated by measuring shear strength of the implant/bone interface. Quantitative histological analysis was performed for the measurements of bone contact area. Implants with and without copper ions were compared after 24 weeks. Thin coatings of GB14, HA or TCP on titanium implants demonstrated high shear strength during the entire test period of up to 24 weeks. Results confirmed osteointegrative properties of the coatings and did not reveal any negative effect of copper ions on osteointegration. The integration of copper in degradable osteoconductive coatings with a thickness of approx. 20 μm represents a promising method of achieving antibacterial shielding during the entire period of bone healing while at the same time improving osteointegration of the implants.