Tricalcium phosphate beta for filling bone defects in trauma cases.

Aim of study: Synthetic bone substitutes like calcium phosphate ceramics ha ve been used in orthopaedic surgery for several years. The aim of this stud y was to assess the results of the use of tricalcium phosphate beta for fil ling bone defects in trauma cases. Patients and method: beta tricalcium phosphate was used in 24 trauma cases. The GESTO classification (Association pour letude des Greffes et Substitut s Tissulaires en Orthopedie) and a qualitative scale were used to estimate the integration. Results: With a mean follow-up of 20 months, integration was excellent in 4 1.2%, good in 29.2% and moderate in 17.4%. No fibrous encapsulation was obs erved around the implants in any case. Sepsis occurred in 3 cases with open fractures, Conclusion: beta -Tricalcium phosphate seems in our experience to be an exc ellent bone substitute for filling bone defects in trauma cases (C) 2000 Ed itions scientifiques et medicates Elsevier SAS.