SIO2-BASED GLASS BONE INTERFACIAL REACTIONS

Porous cylinders of a glass (A-3) belonging to the system SiO2-CaO-K2O -Na2O-MgO-P2O5 were implanted in rat tibia. The samples were harvested 3, 6, 8 and 12-weeks thereafter and examined histologically. Formatio n of new bone surrounding the implant was observed. The implanted glas s was affected by degradation processes that encouraged the bone ingro wth into the pores. Almost all the pores were filled with osseous tiss ue. The osteoconductive capacity of this glass has been proved in this way. (C) 1998 Acta Metallurgica Inc.