CalciumphosphatCemente

CalciumphosphatCemente, commonly known as calcium phosphate cement (CPC), is a class of biomineralizable bone substitutes composed of calcium phosphate powders and a liquid phase that hardens in situ to form a calcium phosphate ceramic, often resembling bone mineral. The paste is moldable or injectable before setting and sets at body temperature and physiological pH.

Composition and setting: The powder component typically includes calcium phosphate salts such as alpha-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP), beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (brushite) or octacalcium phosphate. The liquid phase may be water, saline, or buffered phosphate solution. When mixed, a dissolution–precipitation reaction yields a crystalline calcium phosphate, commonly hydroxyapatite, which bonds to bone.

Properties and biocompatibility: CPCs are biocompatible and osteoconductive, serving as a scaffold for new bone. They can be resorbed and replaced by native bone over time; some formulations form a stable apatite phase that bonds to surrounding bone.

Applications: Used in orthopedic and dental surgery for filling bone defects, voids after tumor resection, vertebral augmentation, periodontal defects, maxillofacial reconstruction, and as bone graft substitutes.

Advantages and limitations: They can be molded to irregular defects and can be delivered minimally invasively; they set at physiological conditions and bond to bone. Limitations include relatively low initial compressive strength compared to cortical bone and certain formulations may have slow resorption or unpredictable in vivo behavior; handling properties vary depending on composition; cost.

Research directions: Developing putty-like CPCs with improved injectability, controlling degradation rates, combining with growth factors or antibiotics, and enhancing mechanical properties with polymers or fiber reinforcement.