Bone Grafts Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Bone Grafts, including details on spine fusion, surgery, procedure, risks.

Delayed extrusion of hydroxyapatite after transpetrosal reconstruction.

Krishnamoorthy K, Pensa ML, Sam RN

The Neurosciences Institute (TNI), Department of Otolaryngology, University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. meymorch@privat.dk

OBJECTIVES:: To review the long-term results of hydroxyapatite closure of transpetrosal defects. STUDY DESIGN:: Retrospective chart review. METHODS:: One hundred seventy-seven patients were followed for more than 5 years. After surgical management by way of transpetrosal routes, hydroxyapatite was placed after medial wound closure with abdominal fat and before a three-layered lateral soft tissue closure. RESULTS:: Among this group of patients, three (1.7%) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks were encountered. None of these required re-operation. Delayed extrusion of hydroxyapatite with concomitant superficial wound infections have occurred in seven (4%) patients. All required operative re-intervention. CONCLUSIONS:: Hydroxyapatite has proven to be an effective material in the closure of skull base defects. Nevertheless, delayed extrusion of this agent can occur, resulting in the potential for morbidity and the need for operative re-intervention.

Published 3 October 2006 in Laryngoscope, 116(10): 1817-9.
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