osseointegrierte

Osseointegrierte is the German adjective used to describe implants or prosthetic components that have achieved osseointegration, a direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of an implant. This condition allows stable mechanical anchorage without fibrous tissue at the bone–implant interface, enabling load transfer and long-term fixation for dental, orthopedic, and maxillofacial applications.

Osseointegration is a biological process influenced by implant material, surface properties, bone quality, surgical technique, and loading conditions. Most commonly used implants are made of commercially pure titanium or titanium alloys, though zirconia and other materials are studied. Surface treatments such as roughening, acid-etching, or coating enhance bone apposition and speed integration.

Historically, the concept was popularized in the mid-20th century by Per-Ingvar Brånemark and colleagues, with dental implants becoming a prominent clinical application. Today osseointegrated implants are routinely used to replace teeth, stabilize facial prostheses, or anchor limb attachments, with healing periods ranging from several weeks to several months before loading.

Clinical outcomes are generally favorable in appropriately selected patients, with high survival rates for dental implants over long periods. Risks include peri-implant disease, infection, implant fracture, or inadequate bone support, and factors such as smoking, diabetes, osteoporosis, or radiotherapy may reduce success. Maintenance and hygiene are essential to preserve osseointegration.

Note: In casual use, osseointegrierte might describe any component that has integrated with bone, but the term emphasizes a direct bone-implant interface.