Bioactive Glass Ceramic Particles as an Alternative for Mastoid Obliteration: Results in an Animal Model

Hypothesis This study was conducted to evaluate the use of the bioactive glass ceramic particulate NovaBone Bioglass as a graft material for mastoid cavity obliteration in an animal model. Background Canal wall down procedures in otologic surgery may result in a problematic mastoid cavity. Mastoid cavity obliteration can potentially prevent or correct this problem. Many techniques and implant materials have been used for mastoid obliteration, but no single graft material has proved to be ideal. Methods Mongolian gerbils received tympanic bulla obliteration using the NovaBone Bioglass particulate. Nine weeks after implantation, the animals were killed, and histologic sections were prepared. Histologic evaluation was performed to evaluate new bone formation within the implant. Results Wound healing occurred without complication. Mature trabecular bone was observed throughout the entire thickness of the implant material. Extensive neovascularity was observed within the graft material. There was no histologic evidence of inflammatory reaction or short-term resorption. Conclusions The extensive new bone formation obtained with bioactive glass ceramic particles in this study makes this material a potential alternative resource as a graft material for mastoid obliteration.