Formation mechanisms of surfaces for osseointegration on titanium using pulsed laser spattering

Accelerated bone grow (osseointegration) can be achieved by modifying the surface of medical implants. For this purpose, pulsed lasers can be used to successfully texture such beneficial surfaces on titanium, e.g. a BioHelix (TM) structure. This surface typically includes ridges and droplets with a size range between 1 and 20 mu m. This paper presents the results of an experimental program where a range of laser parameters was used to create different surface textures on titanium substrates, using pulsed laser spattering. The resultant surfaces are analysed by scanning electron microscope and X-ray Micro Computer Tomography. It is shown that optimisation of the laser parameters results in a robust process which produces a surface that has proven to be beneficial for osseointegration. The results are also deeper analysed, explaining how different types of surface are created by the laser-material interaction under different conditions. Further, droplet flight distances and the formation of the spongeous nano-scale surface that characterizes the surface structure depends on very fast cooling and is also evaluated.