What type of surface treatment is applied to TSA stems for effective bone on-growth?

The use of a blasted surface treatment on TSA stems is particularly significant for promoting effective bone on-growth. This surface treatment involves creating a roughened texture through various processes, such as sandblasting, which increases the surface area available for bone interaction. The roughened surface encourages biological fixation as the bone can more effectively ingrow into the microstructure of the stem, leading to stronger mechanical stability and integration with the surrounding biological tissues.

This increased surface roughness enhances the process of osseointegration, where bone cells adhere to the implant surface and form a stable bond, which is crucial for the longevity and functionality of the total shoulder arthroplasty. In contrast, polished, smooth, or simply coated surfaces do not provide the same level of mechanical interlock and biological response conducive to bone on-growth, making the blasted surface treatment the optimal choice for ensuring effective integration.