A composite of porous calcium sulphate dihydrate and cyanoacrylate as a substitute for autogenous bone.

Implants of porous calcium sulphate dihydrate with a surface coating of n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate were studied in circular defects in the skulls of rabbits to determine the extent of their replacement by new bone and to examine the reaction of the surrounding tissue. The defects were compared with control cavities that were allowed to fill with blood clot. The material was well tolerated by the tissues and did not slow bony healing. The pattern of ingrowth of bone in the skulls with implants was different than that of the controls. Further investigations are being undertaken to strengthen the implants and to adjust the rate of biodegradation. Possible future clinical applications are discussed.