Primary mineralization and extracellular matrix vesicles in rat bone after administration of glass-ceramic implants.

Glass-ceramic implants were administered into cavities prepared in rat femoral shaft. Electron microscope examination revealed formation of collagenous rich matrix in the implant-bone interface. Features typical to primary mineralization as well as bone and implant resorption were present in the interface. Primary mineralization was characterized by the occurrence of active forming cells, extracellular matrix vesicles and calcifying calcospheritic structures. Intensive primary mineralization in association with the implants indicates that glass-ceramic may be stimulative to ossification, allowing favorable tissue-implant relationship.