Accumulation of aluminium in lamellar bone after implantation of titanium plates, Ti-6Al-4V screws, hydroxyapatite granules

Biomaterials. 2004 Aug;25(17):3837-44. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2003.10.020.

Abstract

Titanium plates, Ti6Al4V screws and surrounding tissues, and biopsies of hydroxyapatite (Osprovit) grafts of maxillary sinus lifting were investigated to evaluate the release and accumulation of ions. Optical microscopy, SEM and X-ray microanalysis were carried out to evaluate the plates and screws removed from patients presenting inflammation and biopsies. Ions release from metallic appliances or leaching from granules towards soft tissues was observed. An accumulation of aluminium but not titanium was found in soft tissues. A peculiar accumulation of aluminium in the dense lamella of newly formed bone was recorded. The results seem to indicate that biological perturbations may be related to aluminium release from the tested biomaterials. The aluminium content of these biomaterials, its diffusion and accumulation are discussed. Further studies on ion release from biomaterials and aluminium fate in skeletal tissues are suggested.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alloys
  • Aluminum / adverse effects*
  • Aluminum / pharmacokinetics*
  • Biocompatible Materials / adverse effects
  • Bone Plates / adverse effects
  • Bone Screws / adverse effects
  • Durapatite / adverse effects*
  • Facial Bones / metabolism*
  • Facial Bones / pathology
  • Facial Bones / surgery
  • Foreign Bodies / etiology*
  • Foreign Bodies / metabolism*
  • Foreign Bodies / pathology
  • Humans
  • Materials Testing / methods
  • Maxillofacial Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects
  • Maxillofacial Prosthesis Implantation / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Titanium / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Alloys
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • titanium alloy (TiAl6V4)
  • Durapatite
  • Aluminum
  • Titanium