An evaluation of two configurations of tricalcium phosphate for treating craniotomies

Biodegradable beta-tricalcium phosphate disks (TCP) of two configurations were inserted into 15-mm-diameter craniotomy wounds and nontreated control sites were evaluated in 60 rabbits. There were no adverse tissue reactions and no apparent difference in the clinical appearance of the 12- and 24-week implanted disks. By 36 weeks and continuing to 48 weeks, the omnidirectional TCP (OTCP) implants were degrading more rapidly than the unidirectional TCP (UTCP) implants, with degradation progressing centripetally and replacement by woven bone and maturing lamellar bone. Host-implant interface of both TCP configurations was a bone bond without interposed soft tissue. TCP disks may be clinically useful for craniotomy repair.