Clinical and radiological outcomes of bioactive glass in the treatment of benign bone tumors: a retrospective study of 64 cases.

Background: Benign and benign-aggressive bone tumors, though non-metastatic, may require surgical intervention due to pain, fracture risk, or functional impairment. In many cases, bone grafting may be required in benign or benign-aggressive bone tumors. Although autografts remain the gold standard, they present disadvantages, especially in pediatric patients. Synthetic alternatives such as bioactive glass (BG) have emerged as viable options. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of BG in the treatment of benign bone tumors.

Methods: This retrospective single-center study evaluated 64 patients (71 procedures) treated with curettage and BG grafting for benign bone tumors between 2004 and 2023. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, and radiological healing was evaluated using the Neer classification.

Results: The mean follow-up was 25.0+-12.6 months. Significant improvement was observed in MSTS scores (from 17.6+-4.8 to 28.1+-2.0; p<0.05). Neer classification indicated high union rates. Complications included tumor recurrence in four patients (five procedures), fractures in nine patients, and superficial infections in four patients. No deep infections or any other material-related adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion: Bioactive glass is a safe and effective bone substitute for managing benign bone defects, especially in pediatric populations where autograft options are limited. Its osteoconductive durability, infection resistance, and compatibility with bone remodeling make it a strong alternative to traditional grafting techniques.