Ultrastructural characterisation of the hydroxyapatite–coated pedicle screw and human bone interface

• The early fixation of pedicle screws is crucial for improving spinal stabilisation. Firm and immediate fixation between pedicle screws and bone prevents aseptic loosening and implant failure. Coating with hydroxyapatite is a possible method to improve the fixation of metallic implants in bone. In this study, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) has been used to investigate the ultrastructure of the plasma–sprayed hydroxyapatite coating and human bone interface in detail. Focused ion beam sample preparation also enabled the investigation of the bone–lacunae interface. An intimate contact and elemental analysis between bone and HA coatings suggests bioactive fixation. Therefore, coating with hydroxyapatite leads to enhanced biocompatibility at the ultrastructural level and may lead to improved early and long–term fixation of pedicle screws.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kirurgi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Surgery (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Cell- och molekylärbiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Cell and Molecular Biology (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Materialteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Materials Engineering (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Medicinteknik -- Medicinsk material- och protesteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Medical Engineering -- Medical Materials (hsv//eng)

Keyword

hydroxyapatite coating

pedicle screws

bioactive fixation

TEM

FIB

human bone interface

spinal stabilisation

aseptic loosening

implant failure

metallic implants

bone implants

ultrastructure

biocompatibility

biomaterials

Hydroxyapatite; pedicle screw; fixation

TECHNOLOGY

Teknisk fysik med inriktning mot materialvetenskap

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)