title: Effect of surface topography on removal of cortical bone screws in a novel sheep model.
abstract: Difficulty in removing implants used in trauma patients can be a complication, and increased bone-implant adhesion likely is a major contributing factor. In vitro studies have shown that surface morphology of implant materials has the ability to influence cellular responses, with polished surfaces decreasing the potential for mineralization. This study examined the effect of polishing commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and the titanium alloy TAN on the removal torque and percentage bone-implant contact in cortical and cancellous bone of sheep. Polishing had a significant effect on both removal torque and percentage bone-implant contact, with the polished implants demonstrating a lower removal torque in both cortical and cancellous bone. Polished cpTi and stainless steel were similar in terms of surface roughness and removal torque. However, polished TAN, which was not as smooth as polished cpTi, did not show the same low level for reducing removal torque. Improved polishing of TAN should reduce the removal torque further. The results of the study show that polishing is promising in improving the ease of implant removal after fracture fixation and repair.
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences & Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3US, Wales, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alexandra I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Pearce
authors.forename: Simon G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Pearce
authors.forename: Karsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schwieger
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Milz
authors.forename: Erich
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: Charles W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Archer
authors.forename: R Goeff
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Richards
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys; D000818:Animals; D001863:Bone Screws; D020878:Device Removal; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D010027:Osteotomy; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012272:Ribs / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012756:Sheep; D013193:Stainless Steel; D013499:Surface Properties; D013977:Tibia / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D013193:Stainless Steel; D014025:Titanium