Unidirectional Porous β-Tricalcium Phosphate: A New Bone Filling Substitute for Treatment of Distal Radius Fracture in the Elderly Population.

Background

A new beta-tricalcium phosphate with unidirectional pore structure (UDPTCP), Affinos® (Kurray, Okayama, Japan), has been in clinical use since 2015. To date, there have been only a few clinical studies using this material. We report here the first clinical study for distal radial fracture in the elderly population treated with UDPTCP.

Methods

Consecutive patients aged 65 years or older with dorsally displaced unstable fracture of the distal radius (n = 36) were treated operatively in our department. Following reduction of the fracture site, a 7 mm size cube of UDPTCP was placed in the gap of the bony defect and the fracture stabilized with mono-axial or poly-axial type locking plates and screws. Remodeling of the UDPTCP was evaluated by plain radiograph and clinical outcomes were also assessed.

Results

UDPTCP was significantly resorbed at 2 months after surgery, both at the center and periphery of the material. Complications were only observed in the post-operative period. Significant correction loss of radial alignment was seen in patients stabilized with poly-axial locking plate. The clinical outcome in all cases was excellent.

Conclusions

Block UDPTCP is a safe and convenient material for the treatment of distal radius fracture and is replaced within a suitable time period after grafting into the fracture site. UDPTCP and stable internal fixation is therefore a reliable strategy for restoring and preserving anatomical position, especially in the elderly population.