Poly-HEMA sponge: a biocompatible calcification implant.

Poly-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (Poly-HEMA) was investigated for biocompatibility and calcification potential. S.C. and I.M. implants and transplants to subperiosteal sites were examined. The material was judged to be tolerated by the host tissue since no inflammatory or degenerative changes were observed. This study established that calcification does occur. This calcification does not simulate bone formation; osteoblasts were not observed. The x-ray diffraction pattern resembles that of calcium hydroxyapatite.