Treatment of metaphyseal bone defects after fractures of the distal radius.: Medium-term results using a calcium-phosphate cement (BIOBON®)

Problem. Since 1998 the calcium-phosphate cement BIOBON(R) has been an established tool for the operative treatment of metaphyseal bone defects. No data are currently available in the literature on the clinical results of employing BIOBON(R). Methods. For the evaluation of the medium-term outcome in the therapy of metaphyseal bone defects after distal radial fractures, we examined 29 patients in a retrospective study. These patients with unstable radial fractures were treated between 1998 and 2001 with BIOBON(R) and additional osteosynthesis. Results. We performed a clinical and radiological examination of 20 patients (69.0%) after an average period of 18.35 months (9-40 months). In all patients parts of the bone replacement material were still visible radiologically. The average outcome using the Gartland and Werley score was 7.5 points (2-21) and therefore a good result. Conclusion. Calcium-phosphate cements represent a good alternative to autogenous bone transplantation, especially in elderly patients.