Bone modeling and cell–material interface responses induced by nickel–titanium shape memory alloy after periosteal implantation

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the new bone formation, modeling and cell–material interface responses induced by nickel–titanium shape memory alloy after periosteal implantation. We used a regional acceleratory phenomenon (RAP) model, in which a periosteal contact stimulus provokes an adaptive modelling response. NiTi has thermal shape memory and superelasticity properties uncommon in other implant alloys. So far, there are insufficient data concerning the biocompatibility of NiTi as a bone implant. NiTi was compared to stainless steel (stst) and Ti–6Al–4V. The test implant was placed in contact with the intact femur periosteum, but it was not fixed inside the bone. Histomorphometry with digital image analysis was used to determine the bone formation and resorption parameters. The ultrastructural features of cell–material adhesion were analysed with scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). A typical peri-implant bone wall modelation was seen due to the normal RAP. The maximum new woven bone formation started earlier (2 weeks) in the Ti–6Al–4V group than in the NiTi ( P P P