In vivo testing of a new in situ setting beta-tricalcium phosphate cement for osseous reconstruction

A new in situ setting tricalcium phosphate cement was implanted in 1.5-mm trepanation defects in rat femurs. Empty cavities and autologous bone grafts were used as controls. Cement resorption and new bone formation were evaluated in undecalcified sections with histologic examination, contact microradiographies, radiodensitometry, and scanning electron microscopy after 1 and 3 weeks. The mechanical integrity was tested in a three-point bending test. The amount of new bone formation over time was determined by intravital fluorescence staining. With the in situ setting substance, a good filling of the whole trepanation defect was achieved without leakage of the paste-like cement. Slow resorption of the cement and new bone formation beginning at the edge of the defect were seen after 1 week. After 3 weeks, resorption was advanced and there was ingrowth of new bone, with close contact between cement particles and bone, as shown in histologic sections and with a calcium/phosphorus analysis by quantitative line scans of an electron microanalysis (SEM-EPMA). This new self-hardening cement is bioactive, resorbable, and osteotransductive. It may be usable for the filling of stable defects, such as cysts or benign tumors, or for bone supplementation in revision arthroplasty.