Hydroxyapatite cement in craniofacial trauma surgery: Indications and early experience

Background and Objectives. Reconstruction of the nonstress-bearing portions of the craniofacial skeleton has recently utilized several alloplastic compounds. One such recent compound is hydroxyapatite cement (HAC) - a calcium-phosphate-based product. Its chemical structure consists primarily of calcium phosphate, as does human bone, and this similarity in the mineral structure renders it biocompatible. Methods and Materials. Based on clinical indications for HAC, the authors have classified acquired craniofacial defects into four types. This article presents 5 clinical cases with craniofacial fractures, sustained in various accidents, in which hydroxyapatite cement was used to prevent cranial deformities or to reinstate contour. Results and/or Conclusions. Complications were encountered in some of these cases, but all patients healed without any secondary complications. While the short-term experience using hydroxyapatite cement in craniofacial trauma surgery has been favorable, long-term studies in humans are required to validate the safety and efficacy of this product.