Evaluación superficial y microbiológica de las placas de titanio tras un periodo "in vivo"análisis mediante microscopio electrónico de barrido (SEM), cultivo y espectroscopia de rayos x (XPS)

Abstract

Titanium is considered a material of choice in the treatment of facial fractures for its biocompatibility, mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Some authors believe that the removal of the plates after surgery should be done routinely, while others recommend to remove them in case of infection or intolerance. However, few groups have studied what happens in these plates in relation to the biological environment. The objective of this study is to prospectively analyse the structural, morphological and chemical changes and possible bacterial colonization which occur in titanium plates after an in vivo period. Twenty plates were removed at 6 and 12 months from patients previously operated on Orthognathic Surgery and they were analysed afterwards. We used the scanning electron microscope (SEM), the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the specific culture media (Thioglycolate and Glutaraldehyde 3%). Bacterial colonization was found in all plates and an increased of bone formation on the surface of the plates removed at 12 months were observed. Finally, changes in the chemical structure of the plates removed at 6 and 12 months were analysed. This analysis showed a loss of Ti and O in the plates removed at 12 months, and a higher percentage of Ca and C in relation to increased bone formation, compared to the plates removed at 6 months.