Achieving durable implant–host bone fixation is the major challenge in uncemented revision hip arthroplasty when significant bone stock deficiencies are encountered. The purpose of this study was to develop an experimental model which would simulate the clinical revision hip scenario and to determine the effects of alendronate coating on porous tantalum on gap filling and bone ingrowth in the experimental model. Thirty-six porous tantalum plugs were implanted into the distal femur, bilaterally of 18 rabbits for four weeks. There were 3 groups of plugs inserted; control groups of porous tantalum plugs (Ta) with no coating, a 2nd control group of porous tantalum plugs with micro-porous calcium phosphate coating, (Ta-CaP) and porous tantalum plugs coated with alendronate (Ta-CaP-ALN). Subcutaneous fluorochrome labelling was used to track new bone formation. Bone formation was analysed by backscattered electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy on undecalcified histological sections.Introduction
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