Electrically enhanced osteogenesis at various metal cathodes.
Electrode-induced bone formation was studied at six different metallic cathode materials in the rabbit medullary canal. Direct cathodic currents of 0.02 and 0.2 microA/mm2 were applied for 21 days. Quantitative differences in new bone growth were found. Platinum, cobalt-chrome (F-90) and silver had more bone relative to controls at the lower geometric current density, while stainless steel (316L) and titanium cathodes were more effective at the higher current. On average, there was a significant increase (46-48%) in new bone formation at active versus control implants for either current level. No corresponding difference in the number of vascular channels were observed in the 21 day specimens. Metal-specific differences in bone formation at control implants were also found, with platinum being most stimulatory. These observations are consistent with an interfacial electrochemical mechanism for electrode stimulated osteogenesis, which perhaps acts in concert with purely electrical and mechanical forces.
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000098:blood supply; D004548:Elasticity; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010012:Osteogenesis; D010984:Platinum / Q000494:pharmacology; D011817:Rabbits
D008670:Metals; D010984:Platinum