Osseointegration of Hydroxyapatite Porous-Coated Femoral Implants in a Canine Model

This study evaluated the quality and quantity of osseointegration of two thicknesses of hydroxyapatite coating on press-fit, porous-coated titanium implants in a canine hip model. In 12 dogs, titanium press-fit porous-coated prostheses were implanted. The stems had a 50-μm thickness hydroxyapatite coating, 100-μm thickness hydroxyapatite coating, or no hydroxyapatite coating. The animals were randomized into one of three groups and received one of the three implants. The implants were retrieved and examined 4 months after implantation. Direct juxtaposition of bone to the surface of the hydroxyapatite-coated implants with no intervening fibrous tissue layer was observed. There was no histologic evidence that hydroxyapatite initiated any foreign body reaction, nor was there any irregularity or resorption of the hydroxyapatite coating. There was a statistically significant greater degree of total bone apposition and bone ingrowth in the implants coated with hydroxyapatite at the level of the isthmus and the calcar. No statistical difference was found between the two groups with hydroxyapatite coatings in the degree of bone ingrowth or bone apposition.