Hydroxylapatite: an adjunct to cranial bone grafting.

Hydroxylapatite is a dense pure ceramic material which has been used extensively in the reconstruction of atrophic maxillary and mandibular ridges. The authors describe a technique for the use of hydroxylapatite in combination with grafting of bone, either autogenous or from the bone bank, to restore contour to cranial defects. The use of hydroxylapatite in combination with bone grafting for contour restoration is recommended, as attempts to place the material directly on dura were not successful.