Biocompatibility tests on a novel glass-ceramic system.

The aim of this study was to look at the bone bonding potential of six formulations of a novel glass-ceramic system. Cylinders of the ceramics were implanted in rabbit tibiae for 4 and 7 weeks. Histological tests, both quantitative and qualitative, as well as push-out tests, were carried out during the bonding assessment. Bone growth was quite prolific, even at 4 weeks, as evidenced by growth up to and along the implant surfaces. The interfacial shear strengths compared well with other biomaterials in use as endosseous implants. Therefore it seems pertinent to pursue further long-term experimentation with this material.