Tissue Reaction to a 316L Stainless T Plate Fabricated for Pelvic Osteotomy in Dogs

Tissue reaction to a 316L stainless T plate fabricated for pelvic osteotomy was examined radiographically and histologically in 3 experimental mongrel dogs 52 weeks after plate implantation on the non-osteotomized ilium. The adverse effects of long-term plate implantation were assessed clinically and radiographically in 7 dysplatic hips of 5 dogs that had undergone triple pelvic osteotomy 3-5 years earlier. The plates were removed from the experimental dogs for corrosion evaluation 52 weeks after the implantation. Serial radiographs of the experimental dogs at 1, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 52 weeks and of the hip dysplatic dogs at 3 to 5 years showed no plate corrosion in the tissue surrounding the plates and no perceptible changes to indicate aggressive bone lesion. Gross examination of the tissue adjacent to the removed plates in the experimental dogs found no discoloration or trace of stainless steel debris. Histologically, the tissue surrounding the plate was composed of fibrous and adipose tissues. Infection, traces of the metallic debris and foreign-body granuloma formation in response to the presence of metallic debris were not observed in any tissue sections. Corrosion of the retrieved plate was not notably found. In conclusion, the fabricated T plate made of 316L stainless steel is safe for use as an implant for pelvic osteotomy in dogs.