Fortifying the Bone-Implant Interface Part 1: An In Vitro Evaluation of 3D-Printed and TPS Porous Surfaces

BACKGROUND: 3D-printing, may improve bone integration by generating biomimetic spinal implant surfaces that mimic bone morphology. Such surfaces may foster an enhanced cellular response compared to traditional implant surfacing processes. METHODS: =5 per group) were measured. Overall, HA-coating did not further enhance results compared to uncoated TPS and AM discs. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate that additive manufacturing allows for controlled trabecular-like surfaces that promote earlier cell proliferation and trends toward higher calcium production than TPS coating. Results further showed that nanocrystalline HA may not provide an advantage on porous titanium surfaces. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Additive manufactured porous titanium surfaces may induce a more osteogenic environment compared to traditional TPS, and thus present as an attractive alternative to TPS-coating for orthopedic spinal implants.