[An experimental study of bioglass implants in bone]

The tolerance and response of bone to bioglass have been studied using implants of various chemical constitution in animals.Glass discs were inserted between the inner and outer tables of the skull in 32 rabbits and small glass stick were implanted in the medullary cavity of long bones in 6 dogs. The results were analysed between 6 and 18 months later. High resolution radiographs and histopathological examination were performed.Some glass behaves like an inert material but other specimens are biodegradable and induce a satisfactory bone response in adjacent bone. Any new bone formation does not follow the classical stages of connective tissue, cartilage and woven bone. Bioglass is more suitable for bone than many other materials now in use and further applications in orthopaedic surgery may be considered.