Clinical evaluation of β-TCP in the treatment of lacunar bone defects: A prospective, randomized controlled study

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential wide application of beta tricalcium phosphate (β-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 β-TCP and the allograft were comparable (p > 0.05). Age, complication, packing methods and granule diameters have a significant influence on β-TCP degradation. The loose packing method and 3–5 mm granule size should be employed in clinical practice. A histological analysis of biopsy showed that β-TCP supported the growth of fibrous tissue, vascular tissue, as well as bone tissue into the implants. The results proved that single β-TCP is an advantageous alternative to allografts for lacunar bone defect repair and would well guide the design and clinical application of the β-TCP.

► Single beta-TCP was used only for bone defect as compared to allograft.
► Beta-TCP shows similar performance as allografts in degradation rates.
► Age, complication, packing methods and granules diameters influence beta-TCP degradation.
► Loose packing method should be employed in clinical practice.
► The degradation of the beta-TCP tends to be better in young patients.