In vivo response of strontium and zinc-based ionomeric cement implants in bone

In this study the osteoconductive properties of strontium based ionomeric cements (ICs) named, LG 125 and LG 119, as well as zinc-based ICs, designated by LG 130 and LG 132, were compared. Wet ICs were surgically implanted into the femora of weaned Wistar rats for 4 weeks. To assess the percentage osseointegration the perimeter of the implant and the perimeter of bone in contact with the implant were measured using a pointer (the length of bone/implant interfacial contact). Osteoconduction was determined by taking six points at random around the perimeter of each ionomeric rod measuring the thickness of newly formed bone. The degree of osteoconduction was taken as the average thickness of new bone produced on the implant surface. It was found that osteoconduction was greatest in the strontium based IC implant LG125. From these studies it can be concluded that the composition LG125 might provide a useful purpose as a bone cement. (C) 2002 Kluwer Academic Publishers.