Morphometric justification of osteosynthesis using implants coated with titanium and hafnium nitrides

Aim. To perform comparative and morphological assessment of the reparative processes in the bone and the surrounding soft tissues during intramedullary osteosynthesis using stainless steel implants and titanium nitride coated stainless steel implants.

Methods. 40 rabbits who underwent open tibial osteotomy followed by retrograde insertion of the implant into the medullary canal served as an experimental model. 2 mm diameter nails of 12X18H9T steel coated with titanium and hafnium nitrides were used. In the control group, similar nails without coating were used. Histological sections of bone fragments and postoperative wounds, which were taken for morphological study on the 10th, 30th, 60th and 180th day from the beginning of the experiment, were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and with picrofuchsin by Van-Gieson method.

Results.The percentage of leukocyte-necrotic masses on the 10th day was 3.5±0.2% in the experimental group and 6.0±0.4% in the comparison group (p

Conclusion. Osteosynthesis using nails coated with titanium and hafnium nitrides contributes to reduction of the inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues, accelerates the process of reparative regeneration, providing an earlier wound epithelialization and reducing the likelihood of complications development such as incomplete closure of bone defect.