FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 11, 1998
Contact:
Joseph J. DiBartolomeo, Ph.D.
Media Liaison
Temple University Health System
215-707-4598
UNIQUE FACIAL RECONSTRUCTION USING BONE CEMENT
Surgeons at Temple University Hospital recently performed one of the largest recorded cases of craniofacial reconstruction. In this groundbreaking case the patient had a severe facial deformity of his forehead. Due to the size of the defect, bone grafting was not a viable option. According to Brian M. Smith, D.M.D., Chairman of Temple's new Center for Oral Facial Pathology and Reconstructive Surgery, "during a six hour procedure the patient's forehead was totally resculpted utilizing titanium bone plates and BoneSource" Hydroxyapatite Cement". Prior methods of reconstruction have ranged from bone grafting to implants such as plastic or metal plates with less than satisfactory results. BoneSource" is a new form of Hydroxyapatite, which is a calcium phosphate-based biomaterial. Since human bone is also made of calcium phosphate, Hydroxyapatite is biocompatible and stable. Over time natural bone grows into the Hydroxyapatite forming a strong chemical bond hardening this material.
"The results of this groundbreaking procedure were aesthetically dramatic while also correcting a possible life threatening condition", indicates Dr. Smith. The ability to restore both functional and aesthetic results represents a major advance in cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery. Hydroxyapatite is useful in the repair of facial and cranial defects, but also can be used for facial augmentation.
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