Radiology, Vol 159, 133-137, Copyright © 1986 by Radiological Society of North America
Coralline hydroxyapatite bone graft substitutes: preliminary report of radiographic evaluation
DJ Sartoris, DH Gershuni, WH Akeson, RE Holmes and D Resnick
A new bone graft substitute made by conversion of the calcium carbonate
exoskeleton of reef-building sea coral into hydroxyapatite has recently
become clinically available. The normal radiographic appearance of two
forms of this material is described. In the immediate postoperative period,
the exoskeletal architecture of these implants is readily appreciated. With
graft incorporation over the ensuing months, their intrinsic structure is
gradually lost in association with poor marginal definition. Evolving
radiographic findings reflect the biocompatible nature of these implants,
which provides the potential for ingrowth of native bone with preservation
of the coralline scaffold, resulting in enhanced biomechanical properties.
