TRIAGE METHODOLOGY FOR THE EVALUATION OF IMPLANT-BONE INTERFACES

Stainless steel plugs coated with and without Al2O3, TiO2 and Nb2O5 we re inserted into canine femora in order to develop a methodology of ra pid identification of appropriate specimens for deeper analysis of imp lant-bone interfaces. This approach is especially meaningful in areas where research funds are scarce. After a maximum follow-up period of 5 2 wk, bone segments containing plugs were radiographed using conventio nal techniques, high resolution techniques (which allowed a good preli minary evaluation) and microradiography. Analysis by X-ray fluorescenc e spectrometry indicated release of the materials by the implants. Mic rodensitometry of the microradiographs allowed a precise thickness det ermination of the tissue formed around the implants.