Objectives: Surface structure is important for biological interactions and retention of titanium implants in bone. Applications of micro-rough implant surfaces are known to increase cellular activity on titanium, whereas macro roughness is important for initial stability in bone, and for load transfer. The attachment observed with rough surfaces might be caused by interlocking but could also involve beneficial biological mechanisms including stimulation of cell activity. The aim of the present study was to establish the kinetics of bone bonding for an implant surface optimised for bone retention. Methods: Coin shaped titanium implants were placed onto the tibia of twelve rabbits. The surfaces of all implants were standardised by grit blasting with TiO2, grain size 180-220µm. Surface topographical characterisation of each set of implant surfaces was performed with a Leica TCS 4D confocal scanner regarding the Sa, St and Sdr. Visual examination was performed with SEM. Results: Implant retention were tested 2, 4 and 6 weeks after implantation. Functional attachments of twelve implants from each time-point were evaluated. The tibia was fixed in a jig to stabilise the specimen and a pullout force was evaluated with a Lloyds LRX Materials testing machine, utilising a 500 N load cell. Four additional implants from each group were prepared for histological evaluation. Attachment gain was most pronounced during the second observation phase, i.e. between week 2 to 4. Conclusion: Attachment of implants appeared in three discrete stages. The first characterised by initial wound healing and cell attachment. The second by secretion of organised extracellular matrix and onset of matrix mineralization. The last phase is probably dominated by bone maturation and remodelling.

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