Introduction and Objectives: The coating of implants with biomaterials seems to be a step further toward the ideal biological integration of an inert implant in live recipient bone where it will be subjected to load and movement. The goal of this study is to present results from 70 hip prostheses with implantation of a bioglass-coated stem.

Materials and Methods: The “Grupo para el Estudio del Biovidrio” [Group for the Study of Bioglass] and the Stazione del Vetro de Murano experimented with a biocompatible, osteoconductive bioglass in 1992, creating the Biovetro patent as the first bioglass used for the coating of the CRM total hip prosthesis (Seipi-Bio-implant). In 1992, implantation of this prosthesis was begun in Italy and Spain. In 1994 and 1995, we implanted 70 TiAlva CRM stem total hip prostheses with the proximal two-thirds coated with an 80-micron thick layer of Biovetro. A Ceraver-Osteal impacted cup covered with a titanium mesh was used in all cases.

Results: Of the 70 CRM prostheses implanted, adequate clinical and radiographic examination was possible in 62 cases, with an 8-year follow-up time. Clinical evaluation was done using the Merle D’Aubigne Postel criteria: pain, mobility, and gait. In 77% of patients, results were excellent or good, while 23% had fair or poor results. Radiographic evaluation according to Engh’s criteria for cementless stems showed 56 (90%) stable stems, 1 (1.6%) unstable stem, and 5 (8%) stem revisions, in one case due to infection. Survival rate for this stem at 8 years was 91.4%.

Discussion and Conclusions: Based on these results, we believe Biovetro coating produces worse osteointegration than HA due to: 1) Appearance of a fibrous interface with a macrophage foreign body reaction. 2) Less new bone formation activity and a significant delay in maturation. 3) Insufficient mineralization of newly-formed bone.