SEM-EPMA observation of three types of apatite-containing glass-ceramics implanted in bone: the variance of a Ca-P-rich layer

J Biomed Mater Res. 1987 Oct;21(10):1255-71. doi: 10.1002/jbm.820211008.

Abstract

The progressive changes of a Ca-P-rich layer between bone and three types of apatite-containing glass-ceramics of the same chemical composition: MgO 4.6, CaO 44.9, SiO2 34.2, P2O5 16.3, CaF2 0.5 (in weight ratio) were examined. Plates (15 mm X 10 mm X 2 mm, mirror surface) containing apatite (35 wt%) (designated A-GC), apatite (35 wt%) and wollastonite (40 wt%) (designated A.W-GC), and apatite (20 wt%), wollastonite (55 wt%), and whitlockite (15 wt%) (designated A.W.CP-GC) were prepared. They were implanted into the tibia of mature male rabbits for 5 days, 10 days, 20 days, 30 days, 60 days, 6 months, and 12 months. All three types of glass-ceramics showed direct bonding to the bone 30 days after implantation. It was observed by SEM-EPMA 30 days after implantation that Si and Mg content decreased, P content increased, and Ca content did not change across the reactive zone from the glass-ceramics to bone. The level of P and Si in the A.W.CP-GC changed five days after implantation. In A.W-GC and A-GC, a little change in P and Si levels was observed between 10 and 20 days after implantation. The width of reactive zone was narrowest with A-GC, wider with A.W-GC, and widest with A.W.CP-GC. The dissolution of glass-ceramics stopped 6 months after implantation. This phenomenon shows that the glass-ceramics may be suitable for clinical use.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apatites / adverse effects*
  • Biocompatible Materials*
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Bone and Bones / physiology*
  • Bone and Bones / ultrastructure
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Ceramics / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Phosphorus / metabolism
  • Rabbits
  • Ultrasonics

Substances

  • Apatites
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Phosphorus
  • Calcium