Histological Evaluation of Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Response to Direct Contact with Titanium Screw Surface in a Rabbit Model
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52331/V31i16t27Keywords:
rabbit, experimental, implantsAbstract
Rabbits present biological features that make them suitable for morphological and histological investigations that allow a closer approximation to human tissue responses, particularly with respect to immune and vascular reactions. Titanium screws measuring 5 mm in length and 2 mm in diameter were inserted into the femoral bone of five 14-month-old female rabbits of a common breed, one on the right side and one on the left. Femoral segments containing the implants were subsequently harvested, fixed in 10% formalin, decalcified with trichloroacetic acid, and embedded in paraffin. Sections 5 μm thick were cut, stained using the Goldner trichrome method, and microscopically examined. At the interface between the surface of the screw head and the newly formed tissues, a separating capsule was formed through condensation of the connective tissue. Within the medullary cavity, the bone marrow that encountered the screw surface responded by gradually regenerating with tissue of the same type, and did not exhibit a significant foreign body reaction, demonstrating a remarkable tolerance toward titanium implants. This tolerance allowed peri-implant tissues to undergo repair through the formation of tissues like those present prior to surgery. The distance between the implant surface and the surrounding tissue elements did not represent a critical factor, whereas repetitive tissue movements triggered a protective response manifested by the formation of a separating capsule between the surface of the implant head and the adjacent structures.
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