# The Production of Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy with Open Pore Structure as an Implant and the Investigation of Its Biocompatibility In Vivo

Authors: Yusuf Er; Emine Unsaldi
Journal: Advances in Materials Science and Engineering
 (2013)

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## Abstract

A dental crown material, Nickel-Chrome-Molybdenum alloy, is manufactured using precision casting method from a polyurethane foam model in a regular and open-pore form, as a hard tissue implant for orthopedic applications. The samples produced have 10, 20, and 30 (±3) pores per inch of pore densities and 0.0008, 0.0017, and 0.0027 g/mm3 densities, respectively. Samples were implanted in six dogs and observed for a period of two, four, and six months for the histopathological examinations. The dogs were examined radiologically in 15-day intervals and clinically in certain intervals. The implants were taken out with surrounding tissue at the end of these periods. Implants and surrounding tissues were examined histopathologically in terms of biocompatibility. As a result, it is seen that new bone tissue was formed, in pores of the porous implant at the head of the tibia in dogs implanted. Any pathology, inflammation, and reaction in old and new tissues were not observed. It was concluded that a dental alloy (Ni-Cr-Mo alloy) could also be used as a biocompatible hard tissue implant material for orthopedics.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

In recent years, many developments have taken place in the field of orthopedics; the most important developments, without doubt, are in the field of implantology. The materials used in implantology are subjected to very hard conditions in vivo [1, 2]. The properties of the material, design, and method of fixation of the implant determine the performance. Strength, fatigue, surface corrosion, allergic reactions caused, and totally biocompatibility of the biomaterials used are the main research subjects today [2–4].Many different materials have been used as bone implants. An ideal hard tissue implant must be fully compatible and biologically inert, be easy to be found, have strength close to the bone strength, and should be accepted or rejected by the patient’s tissue without infection. Biocompatible implants, because of their open-cellular structure, permit the ingrowths of the new bone and transport of the body fluids [5–7]. Serious problems are due to implant-bone interphase in the field of implantology [4]. Therefore, there is a need to develop high biocompatible new implant materials. Porous materials enable osseous tissue into the implant. Investigations have shown that the average pore size of the porous bone substitute material implanted must have pore size to allow the advancement of the bone tissue ingrowth. This size should be approximately 200 to 500 μm [6–8]. Metallic foams are new class of materials with extremely low densities and unique combination of excellent mechanical, thermal, electrical, and acoustic properties [7, 9]. It is especially attractive that the strength and the Young’s modulus of the cellular materials can be adjusted through the adjustment of the porosity to match the strength and the Young’s modulus of the natural bone. Hence it is indispensable to develop new bone-substitute materials with high strength and appropriate Young’s modulus to ensure the biomechanical properties of the natural bones [7].In the present study, a Nickel-based a Ni-Cr-Mo alloy widely used in the construction of dental prostheses was used to produce the samples by precision casting method [9–13] with different open pore sizes. Furthermore, the usability as an orthopedic implant material and biocompatibility in vivo conditions were investigated.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. The Production of Implant Samples

Nickel-based alloys are used as implant materials. The alloy which was used in this study is commercially produced by the German company Böhler. In Table1, the chemical composition is given by the manufacturer. In the production of the samples, a two-stage casting method was used. In this method, the open cell metal foams are produced by using polymeric foams. Here, polyurethane foams with open pores in three different sizes were used as a sample model. The produced sample models have 10, 20, and 30 (±3) pores per inch (ppi) and 0.0008, 0.0017, and 0.0027 g/mm3 densities, respectively. Molds were prepared by pouring precision casting plaster into the mold cavities. Prepared molds were heated for 1 hour at 1000°C in a thermocouple equipped oven for the preparation of precast. In this way, the cast cavity has been created in the mold by burning out polyurethane foams. Then the alloy is heated up to 1410°C and poured into molds by using a centrifugal casting device. Molds were left to cool down and then were broken and cleaned to remove the case. A sufficient number of samples (Figures 1(a) and 1(b)) were produced in this way.Table 1
Alloy chemical composition.
Content
Mixing ratio
Nickel
Bal.
Chromium
26.0
Molybdenum
11.0
Silicon
1.5
Carbon
<0.05(a) Polyurethane foam model. (b) Produced sample.
(a)
(b)


### 2.2. Preparation of Experimental Subject Materials

Six healthy dogs were used as an experimental subject material of different breed, age, sex, and weight 27 to 35 kg. Preventative rabies vaccines, endo- and ectoparasitic drug applications were performed prior to the operation. Soft tissue operation sets, orthopedic sets, drill bit, and the curette were used for operations.


### 2.3. Method

The anesthesia was performed with i.m. injection of 15 mg/kg ketamine hydrochloride 10 minutes after administration of i.m. 1.5 mL/10 Xylazine hydrochloride (Rompun, Bayer). The implants produced for the study were applied to the proximal metaphysis of the tibia. A maximum care was paid to asepsis and antisepsis procedures during the study. The implants were applied to randomly selected tibias. The skin incision was extended from the tuberosity of the tibia to the crista tibialis. Following exclusion of the skin and underlying tissues, the periosteum was elevated performing a 2-3 cm incision. After lifting the periosteum with an elevator, the bone cortex was perforated with an aid of a 5 diameter Steinmann pin. The holes established in the bones were readjusted to the implants’ sizes using different size drills and bone curettes. For insertion the implants, some spongiosis bone graft was removed from the window established in the cortex with a curette and then they were carefully placed in the defects performed (Figures2(a) and 2(b)).Placement of the sample.
(a)
(b)


### 2.4. Postoperative Applications

Operation wound was closed by the conventional operational techniques. All cases were examined radiographically immediately after the operations. Antibiotics were parenterally administered for five days in order to prevent possible postoperative infections. The dogs were investigated radiographically and clinically checked in fifteen-day intervals. The implants and surrounding tissue were taken out with all tibias second, fourth, and sixth months after the implantation, respectively. Implants with surrounding tissue were fixed in 10% paraformaldehyde for 48 hours and then for decalcified were kept in 10% formic acid for 15 days, dehydrated for one hour with water, and embedded in wax. 4 micrometer thick sections were cut by microtom and stained with haematoxylin-eosin. The sections were viewed and photographed using a Kyowa-Tokyo microscope.


## 2.1. The Production of Implant Samples

Nickel-based alloys are used as implant materials. The alloy which was used in this study is commercially produced by the German company Böhler. In Table1, the chemical composition is given by the manufacturer. In the production of the samples, a two-stage casting method was used. In this method, the open cell metal foams are produced by using polymeric foams. Here, polyurethane foams with open pores in three different sizes were used as a sample model. The produced sample models have 10, 20, and 30 (±3) pores per inch (ppi) and 0.0008, 0.0017, and 0.0027 g/mm3 densities, respectively. Molds were prepared by pouring precision casting plaster into the mold cavities. Prepared molds were heated for 1 hour at 1000°C in a thermocouple equipped oven for the preparation of precast. In this way, the cast cavity has been created in the mold by burning out polyurethane foams. Then the alloy is heated up to 1410°C and poured into molds by using a centrifugal casting device. Molds were left to cool down and then were broken and cleaned to remove the case. A sufficient number of samples (Figures 1(a) and 1(b)) were produced in this way.Table 1
Alloy chemical composition.
Content
Mixing ratio
Nickel
Bal.
Chromium
26.0
Molybdenum
11.0
Silicon
1.5
Carbon
<0.05(a) Polyurethane foam model. (b) Produced sample.
(a)
(b)


## 2.2. Preparation of Experimental Subject Materials

Six healthy dogs were used as an experimental subject material of different breed, age, sex, and weight 27 to 35 kg. Preventative rabies vaccines, endo- and ectoparasitic drug applications were performed prior to the operation. Soft tissue operation sets, orthopedic sets, drill bit, and the curette were used for operations.


## 2.3. Method

The anesthesia was performed with i.m. injection of 15 mg/kg ketamine hydrochloride 10 minutes after administration of i.m. 1.5 mL/10 Xylazine hydrochloride (Rompun, Bayer). The implants produced for the study were applied to the proximal metaphysis of the tibia. A maximum care was paid to asepsis and antisepsis procedures during the study. The implants were applied to randomly selected tibias. The skin incision was extended from the tuberosity of the tibia to the crista tibialis. Following exclusion of the skin and underlying tissues, the periosteum was elevated performing a 2-3 cm incision. After lifting the periosteum with an elevator, the bone cortex was perforated with an aid of a 5 diameter Steinmann pin. The holes established in the bones were readjusted to the implants’ sizes using different size drills and bone curettes. For insertion the implants, some spongiosis bone graft was removed from the window established in the cortex with a curette and then they were carefully placed in the defects performed (Figures2(a) and 2(b)).Placement of the sample.
(a)
(b)


## 2.4. Postoperative Applications

Operation wound was closed by the conventional operational techniques. All cases were examined radiographically immediately after the operations. Antibiotics were parenterally administered for five days in order to prevent possible postoperative infections. The dogs were investigated radiographically and clinically checked in fifteen-day intervals. The implants and surrounding tissue were taken out with all tibias second, fourth, and sixth months after the implantation, respectively. Implants with surrounding tissue were fixed in 10% paraformaldehyde for 48 hours and then for decalcified were kept in 10% formic acid for 15 days, dehydrated for one hour with water, and embedded in wax. 4 micrometer thick sections were cut by microtom and stained with haematoxylin-eosin. The sections were viewed and photographed using a Kyowa-Tokyo microscope.


## 3. Results

### 3.1. Materials Characterization

In this study, the densities and average porosities of the samples produced in the dimensions ofϕ12×14 mm with three different pore sizes were calculated (Table 2). Pore size was determined by the porous per inch (ppi). Since the samples have open pores, the volume was found by liquid weighing method. Porous densities (ρporous) were found from the relation between mass (m) and volume (v) given in (a). Then porosities in percent (ε) were calculated by the formulae given in (b) by full densities and porous densities of the samples. The solid density of the alloy used, the pore sizes, porous densities, and average percent porosities of the samples were given in Table 3 as follows:
(a)ρporous=mv,(b)ε=(1-ρpρs)×100.Table 2
Average porosities of the samples by groups.
Samples groups
(1) Sample porous average   (%)
(2) Sample porous average   (%)
(3)  Sample porous average   (%)
General porous average   (%)
A
89.6
91
91.5
90.7
B
78.9
80.3
83.8
81
C
66.8
68.1
72.8
68.8Table 3
General porosities by the pore sizes.
Samples groups
Pore sizes (ppi)
Solid densities (g/mm3) (ρsolid)
Porous densities (g/mm3) (ρporous)
General porosities in percent (ε) (%)
A
10 (±3)
0.0088
0.0008
90.7
B
20 (±3)
0.0088
0.0017
81
C
30 (±3)
0.0088
0.0027
68.8When percent porosity, densities, and porosity ratios given in Table3 were evaluated together, it is seen that group A samples have maximum pore size and average pore amount. The number of pore in inch in this group is 10 (±3). These properties were adjusted by changing the diameter of the wires connecting pores in polyurethane model before casting. The samples in group B having a pore number of 20 (±3), the amount of pores decreases with regard to the one of the group A samples. It is quite natural that porous densities of the samples in the same dimensions decrease proportional to the pore rates. The reason for the irregular change in the average porosity of the samples in three different groups is due to the difference in the branches of the wires among the pores in models.


### 3.2. Radiography

Implants in vivo were radiographically examined in 2th, 4th, and 6th postoperative months and the graphs are given in Figures3(a)–3(c). No pathologic symptoms and reaction were observed within the implanted area.(a, b, c) 2nd, 4th, and 6th month radiography.
(a)
(b)
(c)


### 3.3. Macroscopy

In macroscopic examination of tibias in postoperative 2, 4, and 6 months just immediately after euthanasia, it was seen that the implant area and the pores of the implant were covered by the bone tissue completely. Figure4 shows the pores full of bone tissue in the cross sectional area of the implant.Figure 4
View of the sample in the bone tissue.


### 3.4. Microscopy

In the light microscopy of all tissue examples taken from all the groups in postoperative periods, no immunological reaction and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed. Osteoblastic activity increased and osteocytes became increasingly evident from 2nd month to 6th month and gained normal bone tissue appearance in the end of the 6th month. Not one of the bone examples taken from all the samples had active inflammation, chronic infection, osteomyelitis, foreign object granuloma, giant cell reactions, benign or malign tumor, and definite tissue necrosis observed. In Figure5(a), the number of osteocyte is low and no clear osteoblastic activity is seen. Similarly both the number of the osteocytes is low and osteoblast activity is poor at the end of the 2nd postoperative month. No immunological reaction is seen in periosteum in Figure 5(b) but osteoblast activity. More osteocytes are seen in comparison to the 2nd month. At the end of the 4th month osteoblasts are observed clearly as seen in Figures 5(c) and 5(d). Figure 5(e) shows normal bone tissue, osteoblast activity, and healthy periosteum with no immunological reaction at the end of the 6th postoperative month. Normal periosteum and spongiosis bone structure are seen in Figure 5(f). No immunological reaction and inflammatory cell infiltration are seen in the periosteal region (Figure 5(g)).(a, b) Poor osteoblast activity at the end of the 2nd postoperative month. (c, d) At the end of the 4th month osteoblasts are clearly observed. (e, f) More osteoblast activity and healthy periosteum with no immunological reaction at the end of the 6th postoperative month. (g) Normal periosteum and spongiosis bone structure.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)


## 3.1. Materials Characterization

In this study, the densities and average porosities of the samples produced in the dimensions ofϕ12×14 mm with three different pore sizes were calculated (Table 2). Pore size was determined by the porous per inch (ppi). Since the samples have open pores, the volume was found by liquid weighing method. Porous densities (ρporous) were found from the relation between mass (m) and volume (v) given in (a). Then porosities in percent (ε) were calculated by the formulae given in (b) by full densities and porous densities of the samples. The solid density of the alloy used, the pore sizes, porous densities, and average percent porosities of the samples were given in Table 3 as follows:
(a)ρporous=mv,(b)ε=(1-ρpρs)×100.Table 2
Average porosities of the samples by groups.
Samples groups
(1) Sample porous average   (%)
(2) Sample porous average   (%)
(3)  Sample porous average   (%)
General porous average   (%)
A
89.6
91
91.5
90.7
B
78.9
80.3
83.8
81
C
66.8
68.1
72.8
68.8Table 3
General porosities by the pore sizes.
Samples groups
Pore sizes (ppi)
Solid densities (g/mm3) (ρsolid)
Porous densities (g/mm3) (ρporous)
General porosities in percent (ε) (%)
A
10 (±3)
0.0088
0.0008
90.7
B
20 (±3)
0.0088
0.0017
81
C
30 (±3)
0.0088
0.0027
68.8When percent porosity, densities, and porosity ratios given in Table3 were evaluated together, it is seen that group A samples have maximum pore size and average pore amount. The number of pore in inch in this group is 10 (±3). These properties were adjusted by changing the diameter of the wires connecting pores in polyurethane model before casting. The samples in group B having a pore number of 20 (±3), the amount of pores decreases with regard to the one of the group A samples. It is quite natural that porous densities of the samples in the same dimensions decrease proportional to the pore rates. The reason for the irregular change in the average porosity of the samples in three different groups is due to the difference in the branches of the wires among the pores in models.


## 3.2. Radiography

Implants in vivo were radiographically examined in 2th, 4th, and 6th postoperative months and the graphs are given in Figures3(a)–3(c). No pathologic symptoms and reaction were observed within the implanted area.(a, b, c) 2nd, 4th, and 6th month radiography.
(a)
(b)
(c)


## 3.3. Macroscopy

In macroscopic examination of tibias in postoperative 2, 4, and 6 months just immediately after euthanasia, it was seen that the implant area and the pores of the implant were covered by the bone tissue completely. Figure4 shows the pores full of bone tissue in the cross sectional area of the implant.Figure 4
View of the sample in the bone tissue.


## 3.4. Microscopy

In the light microscopy of all tissue examples taken from all the groups in postoperative periods, no immunological reaction and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed. Osteoblastic activity increased and osteocytes became increasingly evident from 2nd month to 6th month and gained normal bone tissue appearance in the end of the 6th month. Not one of the bone examples taken from all the samples had active inflammation, chronic infection, osteomyelitis, foreign object granuloma, giant cell reactions, benign or malign tumor, and definite tissue necrosis observed. In Figure5(a), the number of osteocyte is low and no clear osteoblastic activity is seen. Similarly both the number of the osteocytes is low and osteoblast activity is poor at the end of the 2nd postoperative month. No immunological reaction is seen in periosteum in Figure 5(b) but osteoblast activity. More osteocytes are seen in comparison to the 2nd month. At the end of the 4th month osteoblasts are observed clearly as seen in Figures 5(c) and 5(d). Figure 5(e) shows normal bone tissue, osteoblast activity, and healthy periosteum with no immunological reaction at the end of the 6th postoperative month. Normal periosteum and spongiosis bone structure are seen in Figure 5(f). No immunological reaction and inflammatory cell infiltration are seen in the periosteal region (Figure 5(g)).(a, b) Poor osteoblast activity at the end of the 2nd postoperative month. (c, d) At the end of the 4th month osteoblasts are clearly observed. (e, f) More osteoblast activity and healthy periosteum with no immunological reaction at the end of the 6th postoperative month. (g) Normal periosteum and spongiosis bone structure.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)


## 4. Discussion and Conclusion

In this study, a Ni-based Ni-Cr-Mo alloy which is commonly used in the orthopedic and dental field was used to produce the samples as an implant material and was composed with the precision cast method. The samples had an open porosity structure, various pore sizes, and filamentary gauges. The produced samples were implanted in dogs for various periods, the biocompatible process was examined in vivo conditions, and the following results were obtained.The material used for the production method was according to Curran, [15]; the endurance of the foams obtained with metal powder and the powder metallurgy method was related with the tiniest spots between the metal or granules. He has noted that the specific endurance of foams produced by powder metallurgy would be low in accordance with their production method. Yamada et al. [12] reported that a casting with an open pore structure was materialized with the infiltration method using a polyurethane foam model, and it was noted that the materials used for the production were of high quality and reliable, and the porosity rate can climb up to 98%. Yamada et al. also reported that any alloy or metal could be cast by this method. Yamada et al. [12] used Al and Mg materials to produce samples with a polyurethane foam model in their study. They derived relative density ratios as Al; 0.0446–0.0653, Mg; 0.0282–0.0306. A centrifugal casting device was used in this study alternatively for the infiltration casting of Yamada et al. [12]. Bone growth into porous metal surfaces depends on several factors including the porosity of the surface [16–18]. The controllability of the pore sizes and the filamentary sections of the samples which were produced with the precision casting method can be observed in the centrifugal casting device. Pores with uniform structure were obtained by using the polyurethane foam model. All the pores resemble the polyurethane foam pores used as model. Porous implants having densities between 0.0008 g/mm3 and 0.0027 g/mm3 were obtained from an alloy of Ni-Cr-Mo with a solid density of 0.0088 g/mm3. Solid and porous densities and Young’s modulus of some biomaterials and bone itself are given together with the results of this study in Table 4 for comparison.Table 4
Mechanic properties of some different alloys and bone.
Material
Form
Solid density (g/cm3)
Elastic modulus (GPa)
Yield strength (MPa)
General porosities in percent (%)
References
Co-Cr-Mo
Solid
8.3–8.6
200–230
275–1585
—
[14]
316L
Solid
8
200
170–750
—
[14]
Ti-6Al-4V
Solid
—
110
850–900
—
[14]
Hidroksiyapatit
Solid
3.2
—
279
—
[2]
Ni-21Cr-9Mo-4Nb
Porous
—
0.77–1.87
1.28–3.48
6.84–10.71
[13]
Ni-Cr-Mo
Porous
8.8
0.078–0.54
2.05–13.54
68.8–90.7
This study
Bone
Porous
2.1
10–40
20
5–95
[14]There are big differences between Young’s modulus and compressive strengths of solid and porous materials as seen in Table4. Human bone has much less density (2.1 g/cm3) than porous metallic implant materials but higher Young’s modulus and compressive strength indicating a tougher structure. The porosity of human bone changes in different parts of body. The locations where bone is subjected to excessive, compressive, or impact loads are less porous and consequently have higher compression strength and Young’s modulus.The materials, which were produced porous, it is observed that they display a relative attitude to the bone attitudes in terms of the density, elasticity, and stress values in accordance with the materials produced nonporous. The density values of the samples were examined; the pore size and the filamentary section caused the increase of the relative density. These values show that porous structures are more proper in terms of using biomaterial. The Ni-Cr-Mo and Ni-21Cr-9Mo-4Nb alloys were produced by applying the polyurethane foam model method, and these were examined as porous elements; it was reported that the compressive stress and the elasticity module of the materials related with the rate of the porosity amount and the filamentary sections were controllable and their features were relevant to the mechanic behaviors of the bone. This result reveals with this study that the alloy which is commonly used in tooth implantation in fact can also be utilized in orthopedic implants.In the macroscopic examination of the samples taken from tibias after euthanasia, it was seen that bone tissue covered the pores within the implant and implant region itself. Although Clemow et al. [6] state that for a good bone ingrowth, the pore size of the implant material must be between 200 and 500 μm, the pore sizes of the implant material chosen as 85–127 and 254 μm in our study were also seen to be proper for bone ingrowth.No immunological reaction or inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the periosteum of the tissue samples extracted in postoperative periods. Osteoblastic activity increased, osteocytes appeared clearly in time, and at the end of observation period mature bone formation was seen in the samples. No active and chronic infection, osteitis, extraneous granules, giant cell reactions, and benign or malign neoplasm with evident tissue necrosis were reported from the bone samples taken from all cases. The results obtained showed that the Ni-Cr-Mo alloy generally was biocompatible.



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