Positive effect of strontium‐oxide layer on the osseointegration of moderately rough titanium surface in non‐osteoporotic rabbits

Objectives To evaluate the effect of strontium-oxide layer on new bone formation and osseointegration of sandblasted large-grit double-acid-etched (SLA) implant. Material and methods Strontium-oxide layer on the SLA surface was produced by hydrothermal treatment using a Sr-containing solution. The surface topographies, roughness, hardness values, chemical elements and ionic release of SLA and the strontium-containing SLA (Sr-SLA) surface were measured by special instruments separately. Sixty-four SLA and Sr-SLA implants were inserted into the proximal tibiae and femoral condyles of sixteen non-osteoporotic New Zealand white rabbits. The biological effects were evaluated by removal torque (RTQ) testing and histomorphometric analysis after 3 and 6 weeks of implantation. Results The surface characteristics showed Sr-SLA surfaces with dotted nanostructures can release appropriate amount of strontium ions into surrounding tissue till 14 days. In vivo, the Sr-SLA implants presented significantly higher RTQ than SLA implants at 3 and 6 weeks (P   0.05). Conclusions The strontium-oxide layer on the SLA surface has the potential to improve implant osseointegration in non-osteoporotic rabbits.