[Examination of influence of microstructure of grafts on TiO2 base on the process of bone tissue forming].

AIM OF THE STUDY Evaluation of the influence of the introduced structure modification in porous ceramic grafts on TiO2 base on overgrowing with bone tissue, in examinations with use of scanning microscopy and X-rays was the subject of the examinations. MATERIAL AND METHOD New ceramic materials based on TiO2 with high values of mechanical resistance, large sintering degree and biocompatibility in in vitro conditions were prepared. Those properties cause that they are worth interest as potential osteosubstitutive materials. Two kinds of grafts were created from ceramics based on TiO2: with compact and porous structure. The introduced structure modification - macroporosity - had the purpose to give osteoconductive properties to the grafts, to evoke processes favorable for bone tissue forming. In examinations of the local reaction of bone tissue after implantation of the formed porous grafts, degree of their osteointegration, the essential issue is the evaluation of the settling of the inner spaces with supporting tissues. Samples of the tested compact and porous materials in the form of cylinders were implanted in femoral bones of rabbits for a period till 6 months. The surfaces of grafts and the degree of their settling with supporting tissues were evaluated in cross-sections of the implants with light and scanning microscopic methods and they were confirmed in X-ray tests. RESULTS Analysis of the obtained data showed that, the surface of solid ceramic on TiO2 base was covered mainly with increasing with a time of observation quantities of extracellular substance and lamellas of bone. The macrporous structure of porous ceramic on TiO2 base enabled settling of the inner spaces of graft with supporting tissue cells, partly in the 1st month, more intensively in the 3rd and it was not completed in the 6th month after implantation. CONCLUSIONS Porous grafts in the form of ceramic foam on TiO2 base showed osteoconductive properties, though process of colonization after 6th month observation was not completed and the condition of the cells inside of the implant was reduced.