Specific Surface Morphological Properties of end Prostheses-implants Fabricated from Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy

Abstract

Titanium alloys approved for clinical use are employed to fabricate various endoprostheses. The article concentrates on endoprostheses based on Ti6Al4V alloy, utilised inmaxillofacial surgery. Survival of anendoprosthesisis characterised bythe direct contact andfunctional connectionwith bothbone tissue (osseointegration),andsoft tissues (fibrointegration). The course of survivallargely depends on the properties of the surface of endoprosthesiscomponents;hence, the surface is treated to form a developedmicroreliefwithvalleys of optimum sizes and form. Sandblasting usingcorundumAl₂O₃ particles has been widely employed for treatment of surfaces.Chemical or electrochemical treatment of the surfaceof endoprosthesis components constitutes another popular process. An anatase-structured titanium dioxide (TiO₂)bioactive coating can further be applied on the surfaces of components to enhance the efficiency of fibro- and osseointegration. Experimental specimens made of Ti6Al4Valloy utilisingsandblasting orchemical or electrochemical treatment of the surface andintended for studyingfibro- andosseointegrationwith the use ofexperimental animals have been examined in the research. The surfaces of these specimens have been analysed by comparison employingscanning electron microscopy and roughness measurements. This has led to a conclusion that chemical and electrochemical etching methods ensuregreater uniformity and homogeneity of surface treatment in various sectionsof both individual specimens, and different specimens from one lot. However,the ultimate conclusion on advantages of a particular type of surface treatment will be drawn during invitrostudies of specimens, implanted into the bone and soft tissues of test animals, and removedafter withdrawal of animals from the experiments.