The use of natural Caribbean coral as a bone substitute in bone grafts: results after four years - abstract

ABSTRACT

The Caribbean coral Porites astreoides was selected for use as a bone substitute in humans after several animal experiments. Coral was used as a bone substitute in 47 cases comprising 23 tibial plateau fractures, 4 benign osseous tumours, 4 cases of cortical defects of the femur and tibia following fractures, 2 cases of tibial osteotomy, in 8 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and in 6 other orthopaedic patients. In follow up 6 months to 4 years, X-rays revealed resorption and new bone formation in place of the coral which behaved very similar to bone grafts. The indications for using coral as a bone substitute, the complications and detailed results are described (AU)