抄録
In order to make sure of the availability of alumina ceramic in thoracic surgery, we have newly designed test-pieces of alumina ceramics and implanted them into the defect of dog sternum where the initial fixation was impossible. We examined roentgenologically the relation between ceramic bone and sternum.
12 mongrel dogs were used for the experiment (10 dogs for ceramic, 2 dogs for steel). 2 of 10 pieces were dislocated from the sternum in the early time, and the other 8 successfully kept the implanted place and fixed both sides of sternum for 6 months, but steel bone migrated from the center of sternum. 2 months after implantation, periosteum started to grow over the free surface of ceramic bone and periosteal ossification of about 6mm length was brought about within 6 months. As to the contact surface, no connective tissue layer was observed at the top and a thin fibrous tissue layer was observed at the lateral side in a few cases. Screw-side of ceramic bone had mechanically a little bit tighter connection than flat-side.
In conclusion, ceramic bone has high tissue affinity and is much effective to keep the fixation of sternum. If the structure of inserted part of ceramic bone, such as screw type, prevents the dislocation in the early time, ceramic bone is much available for the artificial bone in the field of thoracic surgery.
