Article originalIntégration et apposition osseuses des biomatériaux orthopédiques métalliques poreux et non poreuxBone integration and apposition of porous and non porous metallic orthopaedic biomaterials

The objective of this study was to evaluate the functionality of two intervertebral fusion implants, a porous nickel-titanium and a conventional titanium cage system in a sheep model. Eighteen sheep each received the two-implant devices at L2–L3 and L4–L5 lumbar levels. The sheep were sacrified at three different postsurgical periods: three, six and 12 months. Lumbar segments were harvested. Qualitative (macroscopic and microscopic) and quantitative (histomorphometric) histological analysis were carried out on histological slides. The results indicated that a porous nickel-titanium had obtained a better osseointegration than the titanium implant. The functionality of two implants seemed to be influenced by the implant structure and shape. However, biocompatibility of two implants seemed comparable.