Fiber glass-bioactive glass composite for bone replacing and bone anchoring implants

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional metal implants face limitations including imaging interference, differing stiffness causing stress-shielding, and bone overloading.
• Advancements in biomaterials are sought to address these clinical challenges in implantology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the utilization of fiber-reinforced composites and bioactive glass in implantology.
• To highlight the potential of novel composite biomaterials for bone replacement and repair.

Main Methods:

• A review of peer-reviewed articles and scientific literature.
• Focus on updated information regarding composite materials and bioactive glass in implant applications.

Main Results:

• Biostable composites, particularly fiber-reinforced composites with bioactive glass, offer significant clinical benefits.
• These materials provide load-bearing capacity via glass fibers and promote bone bonding and antimicrobial effects through bioactive glass dissolution.
• Clinical use in cranioplasty and investigation for oral and orthopedic implants demonstrate their versatility.

Conclusions:

• Combining glass fiber-reinforced composite with bioactive glass is suitable for cranial implants.
• This composite material holds potential for various bone-replacing and repairing applications beyond cranioplasty.