Hydroxyapatite cement in craniofacial trauma surgery: indications and early experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Reconstruction of the nonstress-bearing portions of the craniofacial skeleton has recently utilized several alloplastic compounds. One such recent compound is hydroxyapatite cement (HAC)--a calcium-phosphate-based product. Its chemical structure consists primarily of calcium phosphate, as does human bone, and this similarity in the mineral structure renders it biocompatible.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Based on clinical indications for HAC, the authors have classified acquired craniofacial defects into four types. This article presents 5 clinical cases with craniofacial fractures, sustained in various accidents, in which hydroxyapatite cement was used to prevent cranial deformities or to reinstate contour.

RESULTS AND/OR CONCLUSIONS: Complications were encountered in some of these cases, but all patients healed without any secondary complications. While the short-term experience using hydroxyapatite cement in craniofacial trauma surgery has been favorable, long-term studies in humans are required to validate the safety and efficacy of this product.