[Natural coral used as a replacement biomaterial in bone grafts].

Natural coral, submitted to rigorous protocols of preparation and purification, can be used as a replacement biomaterial for bone grafts both in orthopaedic surgery and maxillo-cranio-facial surgery and neurosurgery. Experimental studies commenced in 1977 and human clinical applications, commenced in 1979, have largely demonstrated the biocompatibility of the material and its entirely original nature. This biomaterial is progressively and totally replaced by newly formed bone with, after completion of the restoration process, has the characteristics of the recipient bone.