Abstract: An improved orthopedic or dental implant is formed so that at least its bone contacting surfaces are comprised of a biocompatible organic polymer substituted with salt-forming sulfur oxyacid groups or biocompatible salts thereof. In addition, a method of promoting bone tissue deposition and adhesion has been found which utilizes an implant having a biocompatible organic polymer substituted with carbon, sulfur or phosphorous oxyacid groups or sales thereof on its bone contacting surfaces. Such oxyacid substituted polymers have been found to promote interfacial osteogenesis, to enhance the rate of bony growth into porous implant surfaces, and to foster direct chemical bonding of the implant surface with the biological polymers present in developing bone tissue.

Abstract: Compositions possessing a porous, high specific area, silica-rich surface, or capable of developing such a surface in vivo, form strong bonds with bone tissue. These compositions are thus excellent materials for dental and surgical implants, or the coatings thereof. Examples of such compositions include highly porous glasses and glass-ceramics comprising at least about 80 weight percent silicon dioxide, hardened inorganic cements such as Portland cement and known silicon dioxide-based biologically active glasses and glass-ceramics. Neither calcium, sodium nor phoshorus compounds are necessary ingredients. Cements which develop the above described surface characteristics in vivo form a strong bond with both bone and implant when used in the fixation of dental and surgical implants, especially those made or coated with a biologically active silicon dioxide-based glass or glass-ceramic.