Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
both as a bulk material and as a plasma-spray coating, significantly improved
the possibility of obtaining a favourable response in the implantation of
devices which where loaded or coated with industrial-made hydroxyapatite
(Fig. 13.8 and 13.9).
Not only are osteoblasts found growing on hydroxyapatite, but osteoclasts
seem also able to remove it, in this way reproducing the physiological process
13.8
A scanning electron micrograph (X1200) that shows the surface
at the bone-hydroxyapatite coating interface; bone is so tightly
apposed to the coating that no gap in between is detectable.
13.9
A back scattered electron micrograph of the same area depicted
in Fig. 13.8 clearly shows (X1200) where hydroxyapatite coating
(in white), newly formed bone (in grey) and osteocytic lacunae (in
black) are located; it confirms the tight apposition between bone and
coating.
