Locally delivered minocycline microspheres do not impair osseointegration of titanium implants in a rat femur model.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether intramedullary administration of extended-release minocycline microspheres would affect osseointegration.

Methods: Twenty-two rats were randomized to minocycline or saline femoral intramedullary injection followed by implantation of titanium alloy rods. Following euthanasia at four-weeks, pushout testing was performed and bone-volume-fraction assessed.