Bioactive glass as a bone substitute

The bone-bonding ability as well as the osteconductivity of a bioactive glass was studied. It was established by mechanical testing that bone bonds firmly to the glass within two months in rabbit tibia. During a 3-month implantation period in sheep it was found that cylinders were well integrated in the femur. However, empty control holes were also filled with new bone. In contrast, in the sheep mandibular jaw new bone did not fill holes which were left empty. Holes filled with granules, however, were almost completely filled with new bone. Thus, in addition to its bone-bonding ability, the studied glass also conducts bone growth along its surfaces, i.e. is osteoconductive.