BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF TETRACALCIUM PHOSPHATE CEMENT WHEN USED AS A BONESUBSTITUTE

We evaluated the biocompatibility of tetracalcium phosphate (4CP) ceme nt, made of 4CP powder and 40 wt% copolymer of polyacrylic acid/itacon ic acid and 10 wt% citric acid solution. Light and electron microscopi c characteristics were studied 3, 10 and 30 d after implantation. Neit her inflammation nor foreign-body giant cell reaction was observed in the tissue adjacent to the implanted material. After 30 d, this materi al was surrounded with newly formed bone. Ultrastructural examination showed that osteogenesis occurred directly on the surface of the mater ial. These findings suggest that this 4CP cement is biocompatible and possesses osteoconductive properties.