The efficacy of bioceramics for the closure of burr-holes in craniotomy: case studies on 14 patients.
OBJECTIVE
Bioceramics are currently in use to cover bone defects in orthopedics and craniofacial surgery. But their compatibility and efficacy in cranium were not investigated in detail. The aims of this study were to produce, characterize, and assess the biocompatibility and osteointegration of Si-HA, Si-Sr-HA, HA-Wollastonite, and HA-Wollastonite-Frit bioceramics.


METHODS
Bioceramics were implanted into the burr holes of 14 craniotomy patients who were followed up from three to 24 months. Radiologic and scintigraphic examinations were performed.


RESULTS
Osteoblastic activity quantified by scintigraphy increased from 6.865 to 22.991±1.682 from four to eight months in the HA-Woll group. Adding fritt into HA-Woll decreased osteoblastic activity at 10 months. Si-Sr-HA displayed significantly higher osteoblastic activity when compared to the craniotomy site at 12 months. The scintigraphic ratio of the bioceramic implanted regions to the craniotomy sites varied between 1.10 and 1.57. Osteoblast formation and establishment of the trabecular pattern of bone was observed in the surroundings of bioceramics in two patients.


CONCLUSIONS
These bioceramics can be safely used to cover the burr holes of craniotomy patients, as well as to close the cranial bone defects.
Department of Neurosurgery, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara - Turkey.
Yusuf
Y
Izci
Halil Ibrahim
HI
Seçer
Ahmet Turan
AT
Ilica
Ozgur
O
Karaçalioglu
Onder
O
Onguru
Muharrem
M
Timuçin
Feza
F
Korkusuz
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000473:pathology; D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D003399:Craniotomy; D017886:Durapatite / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000166:cytology; D010012:Osteogenesis; D017640:Silicates / Q000737:chemistry; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry; D012886:Skull / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013324:Strontium / Q000737:chemistry; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult
D018786:Bone Substitutes; D017610:Calcium Compounds; D017640:Silicates; D017886:Durapatite; C031293:calcium silicate; D013324:Strontium; D012825:Silicon