Bone substitutes

Biocompatible calcium phosphate ceramics has been used for several years in orthopeadic surgery. We have been using two new synthetic biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics (BCP) since September 1996 for bone defect filling in any orthopaedic or trauma operation where autograft use was not possible or even wanted. The first, Eurocer 400® has 300 to 500 micron wide macropores with a totally interconnected porosity. This salt seed like product can be used in bone defect filling, when solidity is not a major concern. The second, Eurocer 200® has not totally interconnected 200 micron large pores. Its main characteristic is a mechanical resistance up to 30 Mpa. We use it in any case of weight-bearing surgery. Different sizes and presentation forms are available and will be chosen according to the recipient site shape. We report one hundred and fifty cases with a six to thirty month follow-up. In one third of the patients hip revision surgery was addressed. Another third concerned recent trauma or sequelae cases,.whereas the last third involved cold orthopaedic procedures. General principles are the need of a living and non-infected site after thorough debridement if necessary. Osteocompatibility of calcium phosphate ceramic is confirmed by our results. We report no mechanical failure. In all cases X-rays show a progressive integration, with new bone formation. Our substitutes have been histologically studied in nine cases, four to fifteen months after implantation. New bone formation around and in the substitute is impressive. Indeed, their good mechanical properties without loss of biological quality is the most relevant feature of these BCPs, leading to a wider indication field; therefore we have now abandoned the use of any bony auto, allo or xenograft.