One cohort study of dogs found no association between metallic implants used to stabilize fractures and the development of sarcomas. Numerous metals, alloys, ceramics and polymeric materials have been tested for carcinogenicity in mice and rats, most frequently by subcutaneous, intramuscular or intraperitoneal implantation. A few experiments with various polymeric materials have been reported using other animal species, such as rabbits, guinea-pigs and hamsters, with generally negative findings. Polymeric materials that persist for long periods and which also present a large surface area and a flat and smooth surface morphology, generally induced a significantly increased incidence of sarcomas at the site of implantation. In most studies, perforated or foam materials or textiles induced lower incidences of sarcomas in comparison with flat films.
Some studies suggest that surface roughening decreases local sarcoma incidence.
Segmenting or pulverizing polymeric materials significantly decreases local sarcoma incidences, often to nil.