Bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics

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.