Fractal patterns applied to implant surface: definitions and perspectives.

Fractal patterns are frequently found in nature, but they are difficult to reproduce in artificial objects such as implantable materials. In this article, a definition of the concept of fractals for osseointegrated surfaces is suggested, based on the search for quasi-self-similarity on at least 3 scales of investigation: microscale, nanoscale, and atomic/crystal scale. Following this definition, the fractal dimension of some surfaces may be defined (illustrated here with the Intra-Lock Ossean surface). However the biological effects of this architecture are still unknown and should be examined carefully in the future.