Removal torque for bone-cement and titanium screws implanted in rabbits

Abstract

Screw-shaped implants of commercially pure titanium and polymerized methyl methacrylate were inserted into the rabbit tibia. The animals were divided into two groups, and the implants were unscrewed after 5 weeks and 9 months, respectively. After both intervals, removal torque was greatest for the titanium implants. This difference was probably due to lower biocompatibility for the plastic material.