Objectives. An experimental rabbit model was used to test the null hypothesis,
that there is no difference in new bone formation around uncoated
titanium discs compared with coated titanium discs when implanted
into the muscles of rabbits. Methods. A total of three titanium discs with different surface and coating
(1, porous coating; 2, porous coating + Bonemaster (Biomet); and
3, porous coating + plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite) were implanted
in 12 female rabbits. Six animals were killed after six weeks and
the remaining six were killed after 12 weeks. The implants with
surrounding tissues were embedded in methyl methacrylate and grinded
sections were stained with Masson-Goldners trichrome and examined
by light microscopy of coded sections. Results. Small amounts of bone were observed scattered along the surface
of five of the 12 implants coated with porous titanium, and around
one out of 12 porous coated surfaces with Bonemaster. No bone formation
could be detected around porous coated implants with plasma-sprayed
hydroxyapatite. Conclusion. Porous titanium coating is to some degree osteoinductive in muscles