Clinical evaluation of ß-TCP in the treatment of lacunar bone defects: a prospective, randomized controlled study.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential wide application of beta tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) only for bone defects as compared to allograft. 95 patients with a solitary bone cyst were randomly assigned to the treatment. A new radiographic scoring system was employed to calculate the biodegradation of bone graft and to evaluate the influence of multiple factors. At an average of 28.43 months after surgery, a radiographic semi-quantitative analysis revealed that the degradation rates of ß-TCP and the allograft were comparable (p>0.05). Age, complication, packing methods and granule diameters have a significant influence on ß-TCP degradation. The loose packing method and 3-5mm granule size should be employed in clinical practice. A histological analysis of biopsy showed that ß-TCP supported the growth of fibrous tissue, vascular tissue, as well as bone tissue into the implants. The results proved that single ß-TCP is an advantageous alternative to allografts for lacunar bone defect repair and would well guide the design and clinical application of the ß-TCP.