Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
*
20
*
15
10
5
S
S
S
P
0
Glass type
Figure 6.8
Histological assessment of bioactive glass scaffolds implanted in rat
calvaria for 12 weeks: 45S5 was implanted as particles; 45S5 and 13-93 were
statistically similar, while the 13-93B3 had a statistically significant increase in bone
growth over silicate 13-93 and a borosilicate glass 13-93B1 (
N
=
4). (Data acquired
from Ref. [8].)
There is no question that soluble silica has been proven to up-regulate
bone cells to promote osteogenesis, and the point of inclusion of the
analysis is not to argue that point. The point is to show that perhaps
there is something else going on with regards to the relationship between
glass compositions and biological response.
6.6 SOFT TISSUE WOUND HEALING
Soft tissue wounds are an increasing problem worldwide as the popula-
tion, especially in developed countries, continues to age. The problems
associated with diabetics with slow-healing wounds is leading to expen-
sive prolonged care by outpatient facilities, and non-healing wounds are
leading to amputations. Not only are the wounds devastating to patients,
but also the operations and prolonged care are expensive. These costs
are a growing problem at the same time as governments are cutting
healthcare benefits. Better treatment methods are needed to help to heal
the wounds of these millions of people who have no other options but
to live with the wounds or to have entire limbs removed.
Diabetic wounds often have vascular-deficient tissue, and when these
tissues are damaged, the body has no effective way of supplying the
natural growth factors and nourishment required to heal. This is why
