To investigate in vivo reaction of newly developed glass-ceramic, we inserted an iliac crest prosthesis using apatite- and wollastonite-containing glass-ceramic. The efficacy and side effect of this prosthesis, if any, were studied clinically and radiologically.

A full-thickness bone graft of the iliac crest was made in 20 patients who needed revisional surgery for THR loosening. Different sized blocks (ranging from 3 cm to 7 cm in length) of bioactive glass-ceramic prosthesis were made and implanted in a complete and large bony deficiency of the iliac crest. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 8 to 13 months (average 11 months). Following the operations, clinical and radiological examinations were performed postoperatively at 2 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Clinically, no foreign body reactions, including swelling and irritation, were noted. Radiologically, no displacement and no breakdown of the iliac prostheses were seen 11 months after surgery and the radiolucent line between the prosthesis and the iliac bone gradually disappeared with time in all cases.

The apatite- and wollastonite-containing glass-ceramic supplementation for the iliac bony defect was successful experimentally and this glass-ceramic, which contains sufficient mechanical strength and can strongly bond with host bone, may be a promising prosthesis in the repair of large bone defect.