Bioactive Glasses for Nonbearing Applications in Total Joint Replacement

Bioactive ceramics, glasses, and glass-ceramics have the ability to enhance bone formation and bond to surrounding tissue. The purpose of this report is to explore the use of a silicate-based bioactive glass, designated 13-93, as an alternative for nonbearing applications in total joint replacement, such as the tibia and the meniscus. The mechanical strength of porous 13-93 glass constructs, coupled with the ability of the glass to support cell attachment, growth, and differentiation, and the fabrication of the glass into porous, three-dimensional constructs with anatomically correct shapes, indicates the potential of 13-93 glass for nonbearing applications in total joint replacement, and for bone tissue engineering applications.