Experimental implant research is the implantation of small implants in the bones of animals. The purpose is to examine how a given treatment effects the fixation of an implant. The fixation of an implant can, among others, be illustrated by the use of ”biomechanical push-out test” and ”histomorphometry”. In order to execute these tests, the bones containing the implants have to go through a time-consuming preparation:
The implant bone block is divided in two by means of the Exact bone saw. Half of the block is immediately frozen to -20°C and saved for later use in the "biomechanical push-out test”. The other half is dehydrated in alcohol, colored with basic fusin, and embedded in plastic (polymethylmetacrylate). When embedded, 20-30 µm thin slices are cut off the implant bone block. These slices are used for ”histomorphometric” analysis.
The preparation and cutting of bone containing implants is a technically demanding procedure performed by experienced laboratory technicians at the Orthopaedic Research Lab. |
