Clinical Study of the Influence of Implants Made of Different Metals on the Physical Status of Experimental Animals

Abstract

Biocompatibility of implants made of steel 12X18H9T, steel 12X18H9T coated with titanium and hafnium nitrides, and steel 12X18H9T coated with titanium and zirconium nitrides was studied in rats. Implants that represented pins 8-10 mm long and 0.5 mm in diameter were inserted intramedullary into the middle third of the tibia after drilling. The ends of pins were turned down and placed under the skin. The wound was sutured tightly. Dynamics of body weight and temperature as well as the condition of the hair, eyes, oral and nasal mucosa were assessed on days 10, 30, 60 and 90 after implantation. It was shown that implants coated with titanium and hafnium nitrides caused minimum systemic and local reactions while implantation of pins coated with titanium and zirconium nitrides resulted in the development of more pronounced inflammatory changes on both the local and systemic level.