We have previously demonstrated that there was no significant differen
ce between the affinity of bone to bio-inert ceramics and stainless st
eel in a histological study. In this study, the bone-implant interface
shear strength of alumina ceramics (Al2O3), zirconia ceramics (ZrO2),
stainless steel (SUS316L) and sintered hydroxyapatite (HA) were compa
red in 19 dogs using a transcortical push-out model of the femur 4 and
12 wk after implantation. The interface shear strength of HA was sign
ificantly greater than that of alumina ceramics, zirconia ceramics and
stainless steel (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference betw
een bio-inert ceramics and stainless steel.