British scientists are developing a glass-implant with the potential to revolutionise treatment for damaged bones.

The implant which is made from bioglass – a substance developed during the Vietnam war that was so strong it could not be removed from bone without breaking it, is being developed at Imperial College, in conjunction with the Universities of Kent and Warwick.

The cloudy looking glass implant is designed to act as an immediate replacement for the missing bone, carrying out tasks such as bearing weight. The substance contains small holes similar to the inner layer of bone, which has a honeycomb-like structure. These small holes contain calcium, and once in place, the implant reacts with bodily fluids and gradually dissolves, bonding to existing bone, while creating instant support and scaffold for new bone to grow. Technological advances have enabled scientists to adapt the material so it releases calcium at the rate at which the new bone needs it.

Scientists are now working on a new less brittle version of the glass which will enable it to flex slightly when under certain pressures such as twisting which puts more strain on the bone than a straightforward impact would.

Clinical trials for the graft are expected to begin within the next five years.