[Rapid setting calcium phosphate cement for craniomaxillofacial surgery. 6 years experience].

BACKGROUND: Long-term results using hydroxyapatite cement (Bone Source) for the reconstruction of the facial skeleton and the forehead are reported.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cement consists of 73% tetracalcium phosphate and 27% dicalcium phosphate. Using 0.25 M phosphoric acid instead of water, the primary setting time can be shortened from 20 to 5 min in an isothermic reaction. Twenty-two patients suffering from consequences of trauma, tumor-like lesions, or neoplasm as well as dysmorphia were treated.

RESULTS: Following implantation, the healing process proceeded in most cases without complications. Due to hematoma and seroma as well as infection, two implants were lost. Follow-up examinations could be performed in 19 of the 22 patients on a average 40 months after operation. Most patients had good clinical long-term results. X-ray-analysis showed some discrete resorption of the implants in six patients. The further course must be decided based on clinical relevance.

DISCUSSION: The hydroxyapatite cement used in this study evidenced good intraoperative handling, an excellent histologically proved biocompatibility, and good long-term stability in normal body fluid. Up to now we have limited its use to non-load-bearing applications in craniofacial surgery.