The use of interconnected b-tricalcium phosphate as bone substitute after curettage of benign bone tumours

Objective The purpose of this study was to analyse the clinical and radiological outcome in patients after implantation of b-tricalcium phosphate as a bone graft substitute to fill the defects after curettage of benign bone tumours and tumour-like lesions. Method A total of 21 male and 26 female patients underwent the process of curettage of the tumour and filling of the bone defect with interconnected b-tricalcium phosphate in granule form. In 39 patients, b-tricalcium phosphate was exclusively used; in contrast, in 8 patients, it was combined with a cancellous autografts. The mass of implanted b-tricalcium phosphate ranged from 1.5 to 66 g (mean = 12.5 g). The clinical examination and radiographs were performed 24–96 months (50 months on average) after curettage of the tumour and implantation of the bioactive ceramics. Results No patient complained of local pain, and all patients were satisfied with their limb function. Periodic radiographic assessments revealed that the material was incorporated in the surrounding bone without significant difference between implantation of b-tricalcium phosphate only and implantation of b-tricalcium phosphate mixed with autografts. Gradual resorption has started on the periphery and progressed centrally in both groups. Signs of the implanted b-tricalcium phosphate still remained radiographically in all 8 cases after implantation of synthetic material mixed with bone grafts and 27 of 39 cases after implantation of synthetic material only. The resorption was dependent on the mass of implanted b-tricalcium phosphate. In small defects with the mass of implanted material B3.5 g, we observed complete resorption of the material. The larger lesions with the mass of implanted material C5.5 g have healed more slowly, and b-tricalcium phosphate granules have been gradually resorbed but still remained radiographically distinct. Conclusion According to our study, interconnected b-tricalcium phosphate is a safe and successful bone graft substitute for the treatment of benign bone tumours and tumour-like lesions because of its biocompatibility and bioresorbability.