[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.