[The use of coral as a substitute for maxillofacial bone reconstruction]

A kind of coral, Porites, which was originated from the Madreporaria reef builders in Hainan Province, was studied as a bone substitute. It is almost composed of aragonite (CaCO(s)) and the structure shows interconnected micropores with a-mean diameter of 150-200 microns which is suitable for bone ingrowth. The coral was implanted successfully into the defects in inferior border of mandibles of 8 rabbits for 6 months. Then it was used clinically as a bone substitute in maxillofacial surgery for 22 patients who were followed up for 6-24 months. With X-ray, histological and clinical examination, the results showed that the coral had a good tolerance and elicited no deleterious host response. After implanted, the coral is acted as a bone conductor and can promote the bone repair of defects. It seems to be a useful bone substitute.