Optimization of surface micromorphology for enhanced osteoblast responses in vitro.

In vitro cellular responses of osteoblast-like cells were studied on titanium surfaces with different surface morphologies. Surface profilometry was used to determine whether rough or smooth surfaces with regular or irregular morphologies can be produced by conventional fabrication techniques. Significantly higher levels of cellular attachment were found using rough, sandblasted surfaces with irregular morphologies. These results correlate with recent in vivo findings and suggest that implants should be prepared with roughened surfaces at bony contact areas.