Titanium alloys: in vitro biological analyzes on biofilm formation, biocompatibility, cell differentiation to induce bone formation, and immunological response.

Biological effects of titanium (Ti) alloys were analyzed on biofilms of Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sanguinis, as well as on osteoblast-like cells (MG63) and murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). Standard samples composed of aluminum and vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V), and sample containing niobium (Ti-35Nb) and zirconium (Ti-13Nb-13Zr) were analyzed. Monomicrobial biofilms were formed on the Ti alloys. MG63 cells were grown with the alloys and the biocompatibility (MTT), total protein (TP) level, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mineralization nodules (MN) formation were verified. Levels of interleukins (IL-1ß and IL-17), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and oxide nitric (NO) were checked, from RAW 264.7 cells supernatants. Data were statically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test, or T-test (P ≤ 0.05). Concerning the biofilm formation, Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy showed the best inhibitory effect on E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus. And, it also acted similarly to the Ti-6Al-4V alloy on C. albicans and Streptococcus spp. Both alloys were biocompatible and similar to the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Additionally, Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy was more effective for cell differentiation, as observed in the assays of ALP and MN. Regarding the stimulation for release of IL-1ß and TNF-α, Ti-35Nb and Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloys inhibited similarly the synthesis of these molecules. However, both alloys stimulated the production of IL-17. Additionally, all Ti alloys showed the same effect for NO generation. Thus, Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy was the most effective for inhibition of biofilm formation, cell differentiation, and stimulation for release of immune mediators.

Titanium scaffold osteogenesis in healthy and osteoporotic rats is improved by the use of low-level laser therapy (GaAlAs).

The present study aimed to assess the effects of low-level laser therapy (GaAlAs) on the bone repair process within titanium scaffolds in the femurs of healthy and osteoporotic rats. Fifty-six rats were divided into four groups: group Sh: SHAM animals that received scaffolds; group LSh: SHAM animals that received scaffolds and were subjected to laser therapy; group OV: ovarietomized (OVX) animals that received scaffolds; and group LOV: OVX animals that received scaffolds and were subjected to laser therapy. Thirty days following ovariectomy or sham surgery, scaffolds were implanted in the left femurs of all animals in the study. Immediately after opening the surgical site, the inner part of the surgical cavity was stimulated with low-level laser (GaAlAs). In addition to this procedure, the laser group was also subjected to sessions of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) at 48-h intervals, with the first session performed immediately after surgery. The rats were sacrificed at 2 and 6 weeks, time in which femur fragments were submitted for histological and histomorphometric examination, and skin tissue above the scaffold was submitted to histological analysis. At the end of the study, greater bone formation was observed in the animals submitted to LLLT. At 2 and 6 weeks, statistically significant differences were observed between LSh and Sh groups (p = 0.009 and 0.0001) and LOV and OV (p = 0.0001 and 0.0001), respectively. No statistical difference was observed when assessing the estrogen variable. On the basis of our methodology and results, we conclude that LLLT improves and accelerates bone repair within titanium scaffolds in both ovariectomized and healthy rats, when compared to animals not subjected to radiation.

Porous titanium and Ti-35Nb alloy: effects on gene expression of osteoblastic cells derived from human alveolar bone.

Tests on titanium alloys that possess low elastic modulus, corrosion resistance and minimal potential toxicity are ongoing. This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of human osteoblastic cells cultured on dense and porous Titanium (Ti) samples comparing to dense and porous Ti-35 Niobium (Ti-35Nb) samples, using gene expression analysis. Scanning electronic microscopy confirmed surface porosity and pore interconnectivity and X-ray diffraction showed titanium beta-phase stabilization in Ti-35Nb alloy. There were no differences in expression of transforming growth factor-ß, integrin-ß1, alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, macrophage colony stimulating factor, prostaglandin E synthase, and apolipoprotein E regarding the type of alloy, porosity and experimental period. The experimental period was a significant factor for the markers: bone sialoprotein II and interleukin 6, with expression increasing over time. Porosity diminished Runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx-2) expression. Cells adhering to the Ti-35Nb alloy showed statistically similar expression to those adhering to commercially pure Ti grade II, for all the markers tested. In conclusion, the molecular mechanisms of interaction between human osteoblasts and the Ti-35Nb alloy follow the principal routes of osseointegration of commercially pure Ti grade II. Porosity impaired the route of transcription factor Runx-2.

Healing of normal and osteopenic bone with titanium implant and low-level laser therapy (GaAlAs): a histomorphometric study in rats.

The study investigates the influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone healing in the femur of osteopenic and normal rats with titanium implants. Ovariectomy and control group were randomly submitted to LLLT, which was applied by gallium-aluminum-arsenium (GaAlAs) laser at the surgical site before and after placing the implant, for seven times. Histomorphometric and statistical analysis were performed. Most irradiated groups showed higher values than the nonirradiated groups. The GaAlAs infrared diode laser may improve the osseointegration process in osteopenic and normal bone, particularly based on its effects in the initial phase of bone formation.

Novel production method of porous surface Ti samples for biomedical application.

A porous implant material with adequate pore structure and the appropriate mechanical properties for bone ingrowth has long been sought. This article presents details of the development, characterization and in vivo evaluations of powder metallurgy-processed titanium samples exhibiting a dense core with an integrated porous surface for biomedical applications. A space-holder method was applied to investigate the effects of different percentages and particle sizes of the urea on bone neoformation in 30 rabbits. The samples were previously characterized using scanning electron microscopy and mechanical testing. After 8 and 12 weeks of implantation, bone ingrowth was histologically and histometrically analyzed and push-out testing was performed. This study demonstrated that the association of a dense core integrated with the greatest number of interconnected pores of the smallest size is a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering. This sample exhibits appropriate mechanical properties combined with increased bone ingrowth, providing enhanced resistance to displacement.

Porous titanium for biomedical applications: an experimental study on rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to carry out an in vivo assessment of bone ingrowth in two different types of porous titanium -the first being completely porous, and the second with a porous surface and dense nucleus, manufactured by powder metallurgy- and to evaluate their mechanical properties. STUDY DESIGN: Ten scaffolds from each group were submitted to metallographic analysis and compression tests. Next, two scaffolds of each type were inserted into 14 rabbits, which were sacrificed 8 weeks after surgery. The samples were submitted for histological examination. RESULTS: Metallographic analysis revealed interconnected pores, and the average interconnected pore diameter was about 360 mm, with 36% total porosity. The totally porous titanium samples and the titanium samples with porous surface and dense nucleus showed an average compressive strength of 16.19 MPa and 69.27 MPa, respectively. After 8 weeks, the animals showed bone ingrowth, even into the most internal pores. CONCLUSIONS: The pore morphology was effective in permitting bone ingrowth in both groups. Titanium scaffolds with a porous surface and dense nucleus showed the best mechanical properties and most adequate interface.

In vitro and in vivo biological performance of porous Ti alloys prepared by powder metallurgy.

Titanium (Ti) and Ti-6 Aluminium-4 Vanadium alloys are the most common materials in implants composition but ß type alloys are promising biomaterials because they present better mechanical properties. Besides the composition of biomaterial, many factors influence the performance of the biomaterial. For example, porous surface may modify the functional cellular response and accelerate osseointegration. This paper presents in vitro and in vivo evaluations of powder metallurgy-processed porous samples composed by different titanium alloys and pure Ti, aiming to show their potential for biomedical applications. The porous surfaces samples were produced with different designs to in vitro and in vivo tests. Samples were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and elastic modulus analyses. Osteogenic cells from newborn rat calvaria were plated on discs of different materials: G1-commercially pure Ti group (CpTi); G2-Ti-6Al-4V alloy; G3-Ti-13 Niobium-13 Zirconium alloy; G4-Ti-35 Niobium alloy; G5-Ti-35 Niobium-7 Zirconium-5 Tantalum alloy. Cell adhesion and viability, total protein content, alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization nodules and gene expression (alkaline phosphatase, Runx-2, osteocalcin and osteopontin) were assessed. After 2 and 4 weeks of implantation in rabbit tibia, bone ingrowth was analyzed using micro-computed tomography (µCT). EDS analysis confirmed the material production of each group. Metallographic and SEM analysis revealed interconnected pores, with mean pore size of 99,5µm and mean porosity of 42%, without significant difference among the groups (p>0.05). The elastic modulus values did not exhibit difference among the groups (p>0.05). Experimental alloys demonstrated better results than CpTi and Ti-6Al-4V, in gene expression and cytokines analysis, especially in early experimental periods. In conclusion, our data suggests that the experimental alloys can be used for biomedical application since they contributed to excellent cellular behavior and osseointegration besides presenting lower elastic modulus.

Osteoblast response to porous titanium and biomimetic surface: In vitro analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the behavior of human osteoblasts cultured on porous titanium specimens, with and without biomimetic treatment, compared to dense titanium. DESIGN: The experiment had seven groups: Group 1: cells cultured on polystyrene of culture plate wells; Group 2: cells cultured on dense titanium specimen; Group 3: specimen with 33.79% of pores; Group 4: 41.79% of pores; Groups 5, 6 and 7: specimens similar to groups 2, 3 and 4, yet with biomimetic treatment. Real time-polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription of the following genes was performed: prostaglandin E2 synthase, integrin ß1, osterix, Runx2, Interleukin 6, macrophage colony stimulating factor, apolipoprotein E and others. The study achieved data on cell adhesion, growth and viability, total protein content, alkaline phosphatase activity and quantity of mineralized nodule formations. Data were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Adherent cells and alkaline phosphatase activity were similar in titanium specimens, regardless of the groups. Biomimetic treatment reduced the total protein activity and the viability of tested cells. Most tested genes had statistically similar expression in all groups. CONCLUSION: The tested porosities did not cause alterations in osteoblast behavior and the biomimetic treatment impaired the biocompatibility of titanium causing cytotoxicity.

Titanium-35niobium alloy as a potential material for biomedical implants: In vitro study.

Research on new titanium alloys and different surface topographies aims to improve osseointegration. The objective of this study is to analyze the behavior of osteogenic cells cultivated on porous and dense samples of titanium-niobium alloys, and to compare them with the behavior of such type of cells on commercial pure titanium. Samples prepared using powder metallurgy were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and metallographic and profilometer analyses. Osteogenic cells from newborn rat calvaria were plated over different groups: dense or porous samples composed of Ti or Ti-35niobium (Nb). Cell adhesion, cell proliferation, MTT assay, cell morphology, protein total content, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization nodules were assessed. Results from XRD and EDS analysis confirmed the presence of Ti and Nb in the test alloy. Metallographic analysis revealed interconnected pores, with pore size ranging from 138 to 150µm. The profilometer analysis detected the greatest rugosity within the dense alloy samples. In vitro tests revealed similar biocompatibility between Ti-35Nb and Ti; furthermore, it was possible to verify that the association of porous surface topography and the Ti-35Nb alloy positively influenced mineralized matrix formation. We propose that the Ti-35Nb alloy with porous topography constitutes a biocompatible material with great potential for use in biomedical implants.

Expression of BMP II by human osteoblasts cultivated on dense or porous titanium / Expressão da BMP II por osteoblastos humanos cultivados sobre titânio denso ou poroso

Objective: Modifications of titanium have been described as an important tool improving bone repair and boneimplant contact. The aim of this research was to quantified the expression of the morphogenetic bone protein II (BMP II) produced by human cells with osteoblast differentiation, after cultured over dense or porous samples of pure titanium grade II. Material and Methods: The experimental groups were: control group, dense titanium, porosity of 33.79% and porosity of 41,79% (n=36). The samples were produced by powder metallurgy technique. Mesenquimal steam cells isolated from alveolar bone of healthy donors were stimulated to differentiate, assuming an osteoblastic phenotype, by supplemented medium and plated over the samples. After 7 and 14 days, the RNA was collected to perform reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in real time. Data was analysed by t-Student and ANOVA tests. The porosity, the pore morphology and interconnection were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results: Total porosity (obtained after apply dimensions and density formulas) and surface porosity (SEM) presented significant differencesamong the groups. For the group of total porosity of 33.79%, the superficial porosity was 32.5% (± 7.74%) and for the group of 41.79%, the superficial porosity was 37.4% (± 7.95%), significantly lower. The expression of BMP II was similar in all groups. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that powder metallurgy has a reduced ability to standardize the porosity in the samples and that the porosity does not interfere in the cellular response of BMP II production, an important inducer of osteoblastic differentiation. (AU)

Objetivo: As modificações do titânio são descritas como importantes ferramentas na melhora do reparo ósseo no contato osso implante. O objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar a expressão da proteína óssea morfogênica II (BMP II) por células humanas com diferenciação osteoblastica, quando cultivadas sobre amostras de titânio puro grau II, denso ou poroso. Material e Métodos: Os grupos experimentais foram: controle, titânio denso, titânio de maior porosidade e titânio de menor porosidade, sendo que, as amostras foram confeccionadas pela técnica da metalurgia do pó. As células isoladas de doadores saudáveis foram plaqueadas sobre as amostras. Após 7 e 14 dias, o RNA foi extraído das células. A qualidade e integridade do RNA foram analisadas qualitativamente por eletroforese e quantitativamente por espectrofotômetro. O cDNA foi confeccionado e a foi utilizada técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) em tempo real. Os dados foram utilizados para quantificação relativa, e o gene constitutivo foi a BetaActina. A morfologia e a interligação dos poros foram comprovadas por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV). Resultados: A porosidade superficial (MEV) teve diferença significativa em relação a porosidade obtida analisando-se volume e massa das amostras. Para o grupo 3,79%, a superficial foi de 32,5% (±7,74%) e para o grupo 41,79% a porosidade superficial foi de 37,4% (±7,95%), significativamente menor. A expressão da BMP II foi semelhante em todos os grupos. Conclusão: Concluiu-se a metalurgia do pó tem reduzida capacidade de padronização da porosidade das amostras por ela confeccionas e que a porosidade não interfere na resposta celular de produção da BMP II, importante indutor de diferenciação osteoblastica.(AU)

In vivo osteogenesis and in vitro Streptococcus mutans adherence: porous-surfaced cylindrical implants vs rough-surfaced threaded implants.

PURPOSE: To analyze and compare bone apposition at the interface of commercially available rough-surfaced, threaded implants with porous-surfaced, cylindrical implants after several healing periods in a rabbit model. In addition, the study aimed to elucidate the influence of the implant surface configuration on Streptococcus mutans adherence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a powder metallurgy technique, a new method was developed to produce titanium implants with a dense core and porous surface to increase bone-implant contact (BIC). Sixty implants were placed in 15 rabbits. In each rabbit, two experimental and two control implants were placed in the right or left tibia. The experimental implants were inserted under pressure into the surgical cavity, while the control implants were self-threaded. The rabbits were euthanized at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postinsertion for undecalcified histologic processing and morphometric evaluation of BIC. Additionally, 16 implants, eight experimental and eight control, were incubated with S. mutans to evaluate adherence for each type of implant. Analysis of variance with repeated measures and the Student t test were applied, respectively. RESULTS: Histology showed intimate bone-implant interfaces without soft tissue intervention in both groups. Porous-surfaced cylindrical implants showed a higher BIC (72.41% ± 9.47%) than the rough-surfaced screw implants (61.23% ± 14.12%) (P = .013), while no significant difference in S. mutans adherence occurred (P = .351). The implant type effect was more pronounced in the 4-week healing period groups (P = .029). The percentage of BIC was similar throughout the healing periods (P = .333), but gradually increased over time. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that the new implant design increased BIC without provoking greater S. mutans adherence.

Evaluation of bone ingrowth into porous titanium implant: histomorphometric analysis in rabbits.

A porous material for bone ingrowth with adequate pore structure and appropriate mechanical properties has long been sought as the ideal bone-implant interface. This study aimed to assess in vivo the influence of three types of porous titanium implant on the new bone ingrowth. The implants were produced by means of a powder metallurgy technique with different porosities and pore sizes: Group 1 = 30 % and 180 µm; Group 2 = 30% and 300 µm; and Group 3 = 40% and 180 µm;. Six rabbits received one implant of each type in the right and left tibiae and were sacrificed 8 weeks after surgery for histological and histomorphometric analyses. Histological analysis confirmed new bone in contact with the implant, formed in direction of pores. Histomorphometric evaluation demonstrated that the new bone formation was statistically significantly lower in the group G1 than in group G3, (P = 0.023). Based on these results, increased porosity and pore size were concluded to have a positive effect on the amount of bone ingrowth.

Histomorphometric analysis of pure titanium implants with porous surface versus rough surface.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the bone repair around commercially pure titanium implants with rough and porous surface, fabricated using powder metallurgy technique, after their insertion in tibiae of rabbits. Seven male rabbits were used. Each animal received 3 porous-surface implants in the left tibia and 3 rough-surface implants in the right tibia. The rabbits were sacrificed 4 weeks after surgery and fragments of the tibiae containing the implants were submitted to histological and histomorphometric analyses to evaluate new bone formation at the implant-bone interface. Means (%) of bone neoformation obtained in the histomorphometric analysis were compared by Student's t-test for paired samples at 5% significance level.. The results of the histological analysis showed that osseointegration occurred for both types of implants with similar quality of bone tissue. The histomorphometric analysis revealed means of new bone formation at implant-bone interface of 79.69 +/- 1.00% and 65.05 +/- 1.23% for the porous- and rough-surface implants, respectively. Statistically significant difference was observed between the two types of implants with respect to the amount new bone formation (p<0.05). In conclusion, the porous-surface implants contributed to the osseointegration because they provide a larger contact area at implant-bone interface.

Evaluation of bone ingrowth into porous titanium implant: histomorphometric analysis in rabbits

A porous material for bone ingrowth with adequate pore structure and appropriate mechanical properties has long been sought as the ideal bone-implant interface. This study aimed to assess in vivo the influence of three types of porous titanium implant on the new bone ingrowth. The implants were produced by means of a powder metallurgy technique with different porosities and pore sizes: Group 1 = 30 percent and 180 µm; Group 2 = 30 percent and 300 µm; and Group 3 = 40 percent and 180 µm;. Six rabbits received one implant of each type in the right and left tibiae and were sacrificed 8 weeks after surgery for histological and histomorphometric analyses. Histological analysis confirmed new bone in contact with the implant, formed in direction of pores. Histomorphometric evaluation demonstrated that the new bone formation was statistically significantly lower in the group G1 than in group G3, (P = 0.023). Based on these results, increased porosity and pore size were concluded to have a positive effect on the amount of bone ingrowth.

Histomorphometric analysis of pure titanium implants with porous surface versus rough surface%Análise histomorfométrica de implantes de titânio puro com superfície porosa versus superfície rugosa

O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar a reparação óssea ao redor de implantes de superfície porosa comparados com implantes de superfície rugosa, ambos confeccionados de titânio puro grau 2 por meio da técnica de metalurgia do pó. Os implantes foram inseridos em tíbias de coelhos. Foram utilizados neste estudo 7 coelhos machos, sendo que cada um recebeu 3 implantes de superfície porosa na tíbia esquerda e 3 implantes de superfície rugosa na tíbia direita. Os animais foram sacrificados 4 semanas após a cirurgia e os fragmentos das tíbias contendo os implantes foram submetidos à análise histológica e histomorfométrica, visando analisar a neoformação óssea na interface osso-implante. As médias ( por cento) obtidas na análise histomorfométrica foram avaliadas por meio do teste estatístico t-student de amostras pareadas com nível de significância de 5 por cento. Os resultados da análise histológica mostraram que a osseointegração foi obtida nos dois tipos de implantes com similar qualidade de tecido ósseo. Na análise histomorfométrica, verificaram-se médias de neoformação óssea na interface osso-implante de 79,69 por cento ± 1,00 e 65,05 ± 1,23 para os implantes de superfície porosa e rugosa, respectivamente, e foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois tipos de implantes com relação à quantidade de neoformação óssea. Concluiu-se que os implantes de superfície porosa contribuíram para a osseointegração devido à sua maior superfície de contato na interface osso-implante

Histomorphometric analysis of pure titanium implants with porous surface versus rough surface

The purpose of this study was to analyze the bone repair around commercially pure titanium implants with rough and porous surface, fabricated using powder metallurgy technique, after their insertion in tibiae of rabbits. Seven male rabbits were used. Each animal received 3 porous-surface implants in the left tibia and 3 rough-surface implants in the right tibia. The rabbits were sacrificed 4 weeks after surgery and fragments of the tibiae containing the implants were submitted to histological and histomorphometric analyses to evaluate new bone formation at the implant-bone interface. Means ( percent) of bone neoformation obtained in the histomorphometric analysis were compared by Student's t-test for paired samples at 5 percent significance level.. The results of the histological analysis showed that osseointegration occurred for both types of implants with similar quality of bone tissue. The histomorphometric analysis revealed means of new bone formation at implant-bone interface of 79.69 ± 1.00 percent and 65.05 ± 1.23 percent for the porous- and rough-surface implants, respectively. Statistically significant difference was observed between the two types of implants with respect to the amount new bone formation (p<0.05). In conclusion, the porous-surface implants contributed to the osseointegration because they provide a larger contact area at implant-bone interface.

O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar a reparação óssea ao redor de implantes de superfície porosa comparados com implantes de superfície rugosa, ambos confeccionados de titânio puro grau 2 por meio da técnica de metalurgia do pó. Os implantes foram inseridos em tíbias de coelhos. Foram utilizados neste estudo 7 coelhos machos, sendo que cada um recebeu 3 implantes de superfície porosa na tíbia esquerda e 3 implantes de superfície rugosa na tíbia direita. Os animais foram sacrificados 4 semanas após a cirurgia e os fragmentos das tíbias contendo os implantes foram submetidos à análise histológica e histomorfométrica, visando analisar a neoformação óssea na interface osso-implante. As médias ( por cento) obtidas na análise histomorfométrica foram avaliadas por meio do teste estatístico t-student de amostras pareadas com nível de significância de 5 por cento. Os resultados da análise histológica mostraram que a osseointegração foi obtida nos dois tipos de implantes com similar qualidade de tecido ósseo. Na análise histomorfométrica, verificaram-se médias de neoformação óssea na interface osso-implante de 79,69 por cento ± 1,00 e 65,05 ± 1,23 para os implantes de superfície porosa e rugosa, respectivamente, e foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois tipos de implantes com relação à quantidade de neoformação óssea. Concluiu-se que os implantes de superfície porosa contribuíram para a osseointegração devido à sua maior superfície de contato na interface osso-implante.

Porous titanium for biomedical applications: An experimental study on rabbits

Objective: The aim of this study was to carry out an in vivo assessment of bone ingrowth in two different typesof porous titanium -the first being completely porous, and the second with a porous surface and dense nucleus,manufactured by powder metallurgy- and to evaluate their mechanical properties. Study design: Ten scaffoldsfrom each group were submitted to metallographic analysis and compression tests. Next, two scaffolds of eachtype were inserted into 14 rabbits, which were sacrificed 8 weeks after surgery. The samples were submitted forhistological examination. Results: Metallographic analysis revealed interconnected pores, and the average interconnectedpore diameter was about 360 mm, with 36% total porosity. The totally porous titanium samples and thetitanium samples with porous surface and dense nucleus showed an average compressive strength of 16.19 MPaand 69.27 MPa, respectively. After 8 weeks, the animals showed bone ingrowth, even into the most internal pores.Conclusions: The pore morphology was effective in permitting bone ingrowth in both groups. Titanium scaffoldswith a porous surface and dense nucleus showed the best mechanical properties and most adequate interface (AU)