Reconstruction of defects in the anterior skull base with calcium phosphate ceramics

Hydroxylapatite and tricalcium phosphate are bioactive ceramic materials resembling the mineral matrix of bone. Implants have been used for the reconstruction of the posterior auditory canal wall and the ossicular chain. In this report the application of macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate implants for the reconstruction of defects in the anterior skull base is described. A mixture of granules of tricalcium phosphate and hydroxylapatite (Triosite, Xomed-Zimmer Inc) and two-component fibrin adhesive (Tissucol, Immuno AG Wien) is used. The technique is presented in detail and preliminary results are discussed.