Clinical application of a new mixture of calcium sulfate and demineralized bone matrix

Abstract

Objective To assess the clinical effect of a new mixture of calcium sulfate and dem-ineralized bone matrix as bone substitute. Methods We treated 51 patients using the synthetic granules of calcium sulfate and demineralized bone matrix from February 2005 to February 2008. Of them, 21 cases were treated with a combination of synthetic granules and autogenous bone. The other 30 bone defects were filled with synthetic granules alone. All patients were followed up periodically. The absorbability of the bone graft substitute and the new bone formation were observed radiologieally. Results No complications were encountered postoperatively and all wounds healed with no swelling or effusion. All patients, except 3, had a clinical follow-up for a mean period of 16 (6 to 36) months. In the group of granules alone, the granules were absorbed partially and their margins were blurred at 4 weeks after operation. No granules were visible and new bone was seen 8 to 12 weeks postoperatively (average, 9.6 weeks). Clinical fracture healing was gained 8 to 16 weeks postoperatively (average, 11 weeks). In the group of synthetic granules and autograft, the granules were absorbed completely 8 to 12 weeks postoperatively (average, 11.5 weeks) . The patients with bone nonunion obtained bone healing 14 to 24 weeks postoperatively (average, 19 weeks), while the other patients had bone healing 9 to 20 weeks postoperatively (average, 13 weeks). Conclusion Since the new bone graft substitute has strong osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties and no risk of local complications, it can be used effectively to repair bone defects. Key words: Bone transplantation; Bone substitutes; Calcium sulfate; Demineralized bone matrix