Carbonated apatite and hydroxyapatite in craniofacial reconstruction.

Alloplastic biomaterials have revolutionalized craniofacial reconstruction. Commercially available bone substitute cements allow easy contouring and application, as well as avoidance of postoperative donor site complications. Hydroxyapatite and carbonated apatite are commercially available biomaterials currently being used as moldable bone substitutes in craniofacial reconstruction. This study presents 35 patients with 46 sites of reconstruction using hydroxyapatite or carbonated apatite. The characteristics, effectiveness, advantages, and limitations of each biomaterial are discussed.