Abstract
Artificial bone graft substitutes, such as Calcibon, are becoming increasingly interesting as they do not cause donor site morbidity which is an advantage compared to autologous bone grafts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and potential complications associated with the use of Calcibon. Twenty-seven patients with benign and low-grade malignant bone tumors were treated with curettage and refilling of the bony cavity. Based on the radiological classification system of Neer, these lesions only comprised Grade I lesions, describing cysts that only require curettage and filling, but no additional treatment. At a mean follow up of six months we observed radiological consolidation without resorption of the bone graft substitute. These observations were also made at a mean follow-up of 13 and 32 months, respectively. According to the classification system of Goslings and Gouma we observed six surgical complications. Summing up, Calcibon seems to be a reliable bone graft substitute with low complication rates. However, delayed resorption should be expected. Calcibon seems to be an alternative to autologous bone grafts or allografts in adequate indications.
Highlights
Benign bone tumors and low-grade malignancies are usually treated with intralesional resection or curettage
artificial bone graft substitutes (ABGS) are freely available without any restrictions of access, there is no reason for disease transmission
Due to its ability of bio-degradation and osteoconductive features, Calcibon is eventually getting reabsorbed by osteoclasts resulting in the remodeling of this grafting material into new and healthy bone. This has been shown for other injectable calcium phosphate cements[12,13,14]
Summary
Benign bone tumors and low-grade malignancies are usually treated with intralesional resection or curettage. The bone cavity can be left unfilled or it can be refilled with autologous or allogenic material[1, 2]. Calcibon (Biomet, Warsaw, IN) is a synthetic bone graft substitute with osteo-conductive properties. It belongs to the family of α-tricalcium-phosphates (α-TCP). Due to its ability of bio-degradation and osteoconductive features, Calcibon is eventually getting reabsorbed by osteoclasts resulting in the remodeling of this grafting material into new and healthy bone. This has been shown for other injectable calcium phosphate cements[12,13,14]. Resorption of 22.9% of the cement volume used for kyphoplasty was observed by Maestretti et al.[15] during a follow-up of more than 10 years
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