Use of purified beta-tricalcium phosphate for filling defects after curettage of benign bone tumours.

Fifty-three patients with benign bone tumours were treated with curettage and filling with a purified beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP). Recurrences occurred in two cases. There was neither a postoperative infection nor adverse reaction due to the material. Postoperative fractures did not occur in any patients. Radiographically, complete resorption of the material and bone remodelling were achieved in 23 cases (43%). Of these 23 cases, there was a statistical correlation between the filling volume and the time taken for complete resorption (p<0.05). We concluded that purified beta-TCP was an ideal bone graft substitute for the treatment of benign bone tumours because of its good biocompatibility and resorption characteristics.