Objective To explore the impact of strontium ranelate (SR) to prosthesis osseointegration in osteoporotic rats.

Methods Thirty SD female rats were divided into two groups randomly, the control group and the treatment group (15 in each group). The osteoporotic animal model was made by ovariectomy. After the establishment of the model, titanium alloy prosthesis was placed on the vertical bone surface of bilateral tibial tubercle. The treatment group received strontium ranelate 400 mg/kg gavage everyday, and the control group received the same dose of normal saline gavage for 12 weeks. Then rats were sacrificed for histological observation and histomorphometric determination.

Results In the treatment group the pressure and shear strength of prosthesis implant were significantly different from that in the control group. Compared with the control group, the fibrous membrane around the prosthesis in the treatment group was sparse and thin, and the new bone was more, and the interface with the prosthesis was mostly in direct contact. Histomorphometry showed that in the control group periprosthetic membrane thickness and area were significantly higher than in the treatment group, the difference was significant (P < 0.01).

Conclusion SR via gastrointestinal has certain role in promoting prosthesis osseointegration of osteoporotic rats.