Biodegradable ceramic implants in bone. Electron and light microscopic analysis.

Abstract The main purpose of a biodegradable ceramic implant is to fill a bone space as well as to eliminate the need for a metallic implant. Although the biodegradable ceramic does stimulate bone formation and does disappear from the implanted site, it does not have the same initial strength as a metal or nondegradable ceramic implant. When completely replaced by bone, however, it should prove superior to the latter two. Additional studies comparing degradable ceramic with various other types of ceramic material and with unfilled bone defects are in progress.