Study of implanted biomaterial functionality by diphosphonate molecules labeled with radioactive Tc-99m

An implanted biomaterial can be transformed into young bone after some mont hs, but it has not necessary reached full biofunctionality. Mineral concent ration kinetics and crystal-structure studies, still being carried out in o ur 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 Tc-99m are then injected in rabbits and the fixation of the radioactivity is analyzed in several sit es for 8 mo after the implantation. Nuclear instruments and methods are use d for the measurements. Four successive cycles of osseous remodeling are determined before reaching a biofunctional phase.