In vivo tissue reactivity of radiation‐cured silicone rubber implants

Abstract

Silicone rubber implants are clinically used in large numbers and elicit a mild tissue reaction. An occasional patient develops an accentuated reaction, an observation which has stimulated clinicians to try to understand this process more fully. The chemistry of medical silicone implants, including quantitative composition, is reviewed. This in vitro laboratory study show less tissue reaction from radiation‐cured pure silicone polymer, as compared with radiation‐cured silicone with SiO₂ filler. A proposed system for fabrication and curing of a silicone implant, with the qualities of strength and diminished tissue reactivity, is discussed.