One-year volume stability of human facial defects filled with a β-tricalcium phosphate-hydroxyl apatite mixture (Atlantik)

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the applicability and 1-year stability of a β-tricalcium phosphate-hydroxyl apatite mixture (Atlantik) for secondary reconstruction of craniofacial defects and the application of OsiriX in evaluating bone and implant volumes.

METHODS: We included 6 patients (25-59 years) with craniofacial defects. A computed tomography scan was made preoperative, directly postoperative, and at least 1 year postoperative to evaluate volume changes. OsiriX was used to quantify volumes of the implanted Atlantik. Measurements were performed by 2 independent investigators and analyzed by calculating both Pearson correlation and interclass correlation coefficient.

RESULTS: After 1 year, the mean volume reduction of the implanted Atlantik was 9.8%. The absolute volume reduction in 1 year was 0.38 cm (range, 0.10-0.69 cm(3)). Pearson correlation test was 0.996, with a significance level of P < 0.01, and the interclass correlation coefficient was 0.998.

CONCLUSIONS: Atlantik is a stable osteoconductive material for the repair of various craniofacial defects. There is a reduction of only 10% of the augmented volume in the long term. Applying OsiriX for computed tomography image volume analysis proved to be a well-reproducible technique.