In 1969, certain compositions of glasses and glass-ceramics were discovered
to form a mechanically strong bond with bone. The clinical application of
Bioglass(R) and related materials grew in three different directions throug
h the 1970's (as bioactive glasses, synthetic hydroxyapatite, and bioactive
glass-ceramics). Specific examples include bioactive coatings, non load-be
aring implants, load-bearing implants, bioactive particulates, bioactive ce
ment, and bioactive composites. Future applications of these materials will
be enhanced by understanding the genetic basis for cell proliferation It m
ay be possible to design bioactive compositions conducive to the repair of
osteoporotic bone and to enhance the quality of bone bonded to the bioactiv
e implant.