Evaluación radiográfica de implantes de zinalco en fémur de perros

In the search for new options/alternatives for materia ls with medical applications, this study was designed to test materials that might be used as orthopedic prothesis. Four halfbreed dogs were implanted with cylinders made of two different materials: zinalco and 316L stainless steel. The left femur was implanted with two of those cylinders: zinalco and 316L SS at proximal and distal thirds, respectively. In order to test the biocompatibility of these materials, radiographic studies were performed before surgery and 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after it. Bone density, implant rejection, metalosis and periosteal reactions were evaluated. No changes in the concentrations of Zn, Al and Cu (zinalco constituents) in the blood of implanted dogs were detected, as compared to previous measurements. In all cases, the adjacent bone formation to the implants occured; this was observed radiographically through periosteal laminar reaction, endostitis, and sclerosis of the bone marrow channel. There were no severe periosteal irregular reactions nor osseous reabsorption or rejecti on to the implants.