The Usefulness of Calcium Sulfate in Treatment of Benign Bone Tumor

Purpose: This study evaluated the results of the curettage and grafting of calcium sulfate for the treatment of a benign bone tumor to determine its efficacy as a bone graft substitute. Materials and Methods: Thirty six cases of calcium sulfate(OsteosetⓇ) grafting for bone defect after curettage of benign bone tumor were evaluated. There were 21 males and 15 females with a mean age of 23 years (6-64). There were 23, 10 and 3 cases grafted with the Osteoset only, the Osteoset with allografts and the Osteoset with autografts, respectively. The average follow up duration was 19 months (12-49). The process of bone formation was observed and the times for graft absorption and complete bone formation were assessed. In addition, the time of bone formation was compared according to the patients' age, size of lesion, and grafting method, and the development of complications was observed. Results: Complete bone formation was observed in 34 (94.4%) out of 36 cases. The groups of younger patients, smaller size of lesion and grafting of OsteosetⓇ only showed more rapid bone formation. However, there was no statistical significance. There was one case of soft tissue calcification observed. Conclusion: Calcium sulfate is an effective substitute for an autogenous bone graft in the case of the treatment of a benign bone tumor, particularly in the case of an insufficient graft, such as in children and in those with a large bone defect. This method is a safe method that prevents complications in the donor site.