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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Biological Compatibility Profile on Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration
Published on: November 16, 2018
Calcium phosphate ceramics as bone graft substitutes in filling bone tumor defects
K C Saikia1, T D Bhattacharya, S K Bhuyan
1Department of Orthopedics, Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India. drkabul_saikia@yahoo.com
Background:
Synthetic bio-inert materials are currently used as an alternative to autogenous bone graft. Calcium hydroxyapatite (HA) and Beta tri-calcium phosphate (beta-TCP), which belong to the calcium phosphate ceramics group, are biocompatible and osteo-conductive. The purpose of this study is to analyse the use of HA and beta-TCP in their ceramic forms as a bone graft substitute in filling bone voids after curettage of benign bone tumors.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-four patients in the age range of 3.5-55 years (mean 14.3 years) having benign bone tumors with bone defects were filled with bone graft substitute following curettage. In 20 patients bone defects were filled with block/granules of HA ceramic and in four with beta-TCP. Fibular strut graft was packed with HA in four patients. The patients were followed up for an average of 18 months (range 12-36 months).
Results:
The functional status of the patients at follow-up was evaluated and compared with preoperative functional status. Early incorporation of graft substitutes became evident radiologically between 6 and 10 weeks (Stage I). Complete incorporation (Stage III) was observed in an average of nine months (6-18 months). Clinical healing was observed before radiological healing. The average time taken to return to preoperative function was 14 weeks. There was no recurrence of lesion or growth retardation.
Conclusion:
Calcium hydroxyapatite and beta-TCP are excellent bone graft substitutes for autogenous bone graft in filling voids after curettage of benign bone tumors.
