Biocompatibility of magnesia-partially stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ) ceramics

The biocompatibility of Mg-PSZ ceramics aged to peak strength at 1100° C was assessed by in vitro and in vivo experiments. The former consisted of immersing the material in saline solution, boiling under reflux, for 1000 hours. A 6% loss in strength was the only discernible change in the ceramic. The in vivo experiments comprised implanting Mg-PSZ samples in the paraspinalis muscles of rabbits for 6 months. There was no significant adverse soft tissue response to the implants. Neither was there any change in the surface phase content, surface roughness or strength of the implants during the course of the experiment.