The effect of teicoplanin coating on osteointegration of titanium screws: a biomechanical and histomorphometric study in a rabbit model

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this experimental animal study was to make a biomechanical and histomorphometricevaluation of the effects of titanium screws covered with teicoplanin, which is wanted to prevent thedevelopment of infection, on osteointegration of the screw.Methods: Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly separated into 2 groups. In Group 1, 2 miniscrews with teicoplanin coating were placed in the femoral condyles of the right knee and in Group 2, 2 miniscrews with no coating. After 4 weeks, all the animals were sacrificed and prepared for biomechanical andhistological examinations.Results: In the pull-out test, the values of Group 1 were found to be higher and in the removal torque test, thevalues of Group 2 were higher. No positive correlation was found between the pull-out and removal torquetests (r = 0.88). The bone-implant contact value was found to be similar in both groups (p = 0.132).Conclusions: The results showed that titanium screws with teicoplanin coating did not interfere withosteointegration process biomechanically andhistomorphometrically by comparison with screws having nocoating so that teicoplanincoating can be considered for use in orthopedic devices and joint prosthesis to preventthe development of infection.