Clinical Outcomes of Digital Three-Dimensional Hydroxyapatite in Repairing Calvarial Defects

The objective of this article is to present the long-term outcomes of digital three-dimensional (3D) hydroxyapatite (HA) implants used for calvarial defects. Porous HA provide good results and have many characteristics, making it suitable for calvarial defect reconstruction. However, using HA may be associated with potentially serious complications, including infection and exposure. The authors used digital 3D HA for cranioplasty for many years and accumulated considerable experience from using it. The authors found that digital 3D HA is an effective method for cranioplasty, showing low complication rate.

A total of 57 patients underwent calvarial defect reconstruction with 3D HA from June 2009 to August 2016. The follow-up period was 1 to 5 years.

Most patients (91.2%) were greatly satisfied with the esthetic outcomes of the surgery. The highest rate of complication was seroma (8.8%). Two patients developed postoperative infections (3.5%). One patient with infections was successfully treated with antibiotic therapy. Another patient was required to undergo an extensive surgical debridement followed by delayed autogenous bone reconstruction. One patient suffered from implant exposure. No hematoma, unexpected fractures, asymmetry, and contour or implant abnormalities occurred.

The digital 3D HA implant was highly biocompatible and durable for the reconstruction of calvarial defects. With appropriate treatment, the proposed method was able to achieve a functional and cosmetic reconstruction with lesser complications.