Effect of thin nano-hydroxyapatite coating on implant osseointegration in ovariectomized rats.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the thin nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) coating on implant osseointegration in an ovariectomized rat model.

Materials And Methods: Implants were divided into a control group and a test group (nano-HA-coated group). Surface morphology was examined using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FSEM). Surface roughness of both groups was performed. Sixteen ovariectomized rats randomly received 2 implants in both tibiae. After 12 weeks of implantation, tibias were retrieved and prepared for histomorphometric evaluation and removal torque tests (RTQ).

Results: Rodlike crystals uniformly covered the porous surfaces and the surface morphology of the implant was still clear. No significant differences were found in surface roughness between the 2 groups (P > .05). More bone tissue was formed around test implants compared with control implants. Test implants showed a significantly greater BIC, bone area within all threads, and RTQ values compared with control implants (P < .05).

Conclusions: These results indicate the thin nano-HA coating by an electrochemical process has potential benefits to enhance implant osseointegration in ovariectomized rats.