The importance of surface texture for bone integration of screw shaped implants: an in vivo study of implants patterned by photolithography.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of different properties inherent in surface topography on the integration of an implant in bone. Using a photolithography technique, a specific surface pattern was produced on the screw flanks of threaded titanium oral implants. Surface topography was qualitatively assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a confocal laser scanning profilometer. Quantitative analysis with the confocal laser profilometer derived parameters for surface roughness and surface roughness together with waviness. The chemical composition of the implant surfaces was analyzed by Auger electron spectroscopy. The patterned and control (turned) implants were inserted in New Zealand White rabbits with a healing period of 3 months. Bone fixation was evaluated with resonance frequency analysis (RFA), peak removal torque analysis (RTQ), and by histomorphometry. No statistically significant differences were seen in the fixation, with respect to bone-to-implant contact, between the patterned and control implants. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 57: 485-496, 2001