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 through the 1970's (as bioactive glasses, synthetic hydroxyapatite, and bioactive glass-ceramics). Specific examples include bioactive coatings, non load-bearing implants, load-bearing implants, bioactive particulates, bioactive cement, and bioactive composites. Future applications of these materials will be enhanced by understanding the genetic basis for cell proliferation It may be possible to design bioactive compositions conducive to the repair of osteoporotic bone and to enhance the quality of bone bonded to the bioactive implant.