[Comparative experimental investigations with bioglass (L. L. Hench), Al2O3-ceramic and Al2O3-ceramic coated with a mod. Bioglass. I. Results of experiments under non-loaded conditions (author's transl)].

This report deals with comparative results obtained with unloaded intra-osseous implants of bioglass (L. L. Hench), Al2O3-ceramic and Al2O3-ceramic coated with a mod. bioglass. Al2O3-ceramic and bone form a direct bony interface without fibrous tissue interposition, this resulting in a pure mechanic fixation of the implant through frictional forces of the surface roughed ceramic. Pure bioglass (45S5) and bone form a unique persisting direct interface by means of physico-chemical or biochemical phaenomena stabilizing the implant. Interface stability seams to be higher than the fatique strenth of the glass itself. This interface is developed as a consequence of solubility of some of the glass constituents within a surface layer of up to 200 microns, running parallel with a reduction of strength of this surface glass layer. The boronoxide containing bioglass, flame-sprayed onto Al2O3-ceramic samples seams to be less soluble and therefore seams to have lesser bonding capability to bone. The stability of the interface bioglass coating-Al2O3-ceramic was low.