Integration of titanium implants in irradiated bone. Histologic and clinical study.

Nine patients who had undergone combined surgical and radiologic treatment for malignant tumors had skin-penetrating titanium implants inserted in the bone tissue in the treated region at various time intervals after irradiation. The absorbed dose to the implant region varied between 25 and 86 Gy normalized to five fractions of 2.0 Gy/wk, according to the cumulative radiation effect formula. The time interval between irradiation and fixture insertion varied from 9 months to 37 years. Of the 35 fixtures installed, only five were lost because of lack of osseointegration. The follow-up time from implant insertion ranged from 15 to 44 months.