Luunkorvausmateriaalit

Luunkorvausmateriaalit, also known as bone graft substitutes or bone void fillers, are biocompatible substances used to fill bone defects or gaps resulting from trauma, surgery, or disease. These materials aim to facilitate bone healing and regeneration by providing a scaffold for new bone growth. They can be broadly categorized into several types.

Autografts, harvested from the patient's own body, are considered the gold standard due to their osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and osteogenic properties. However, their use is limited by the availability of donor sites and associated morbidity. Allografts, sourced from human donors, offer a larger supply but lack osteogenic potential and carry a risk of disease transmission.

Synthetic bone graft substitutes are increasingly utilized to overcome the limitations of biological grafts. These include calcium phosphates like hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate, which are osteoconductive, providing a surface for bone cells to attach and proliferate. Bioactive glasses are another synthetic option that can stimulate bone formation.

Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) products are derived from allografts but have undergone processing to remove mineral content, exposing growth factors and making them osteoinductive. Composite materials, combining synthetic components with biological factors, are also being developed to enhance healing.

The selection of a specific luunkorvausmateriaali depends on the size and location of the bone defect, the intended application, and the surgeon's preference. The goal is to promote the formation of new bone, restoring structural integrity and function. Research continues to focus on developing materials with improved osteoinductive properties and faster integration into the host bone.