Calcium phosphate vs. autologous cranioplasty in a pediatric population
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Persistent skull defects due to trauma, tumors, or neurosurgical procedures often necessitate cranioplasty. Autologous bone flaps are the gold standard but have a high risk of complications in pediatric cases, especially bone flap resorption. This study evaluated alloplastic HA-βTCP (TricOs™) versus autologous cranioplasties, aiming to identify the ideal material for pediatric cranioplasties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of cranioplasties in pediatric patients with large cranial defects operated between 1995 and 2021 was conducted. Survival times of autologous and alloplastic HA-βTCP (TricOs™) cranioplasties were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test. RESULTS: The cohort included 22 cranioplasties (11 autologous, 11 alloplastic HA-βTCP (TricOs™)). Autologous cranioplasties demonstrated 63,6 % failure rate versus 9,1 % in the alloplastic group. Mean survival time was significantly longer for alloplastic - (67.61 ± 7.96 months (95 % CI [52.00; 83.21])) compared to autologous cranioplasties (32.75 ± 13.20 months (95 % CI [6.88; 58.61])) (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Alloplastic HA-βTCP (TricOs™) demonstrated a significantly longer survival time compared to autologous cranioplasties. The findings suggest that HA-βTCP (TricOs™) offers a superior alternative in reducing risk of implant failure, potentially addressing the challenges of bone flap resorption in a pediatric population. Additional studies are warranted to endorse these retrospective findings.
Authors: L.L. Verhoef, B. Gareb, J.M.C. van Dijk, R.R.M. Bos
Institutions: University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,784
OpenAlex ID: W4411711761