METHOD OF PREPARING A POORLY CRYSTALLINE CALCIUM PHOSPHATE AND METHODS OF ITS USE

摘要

The present invention provides a novelprocess for producing a calcium phosphate cementor filler which hardens in a temperature dependentfashion in association with an endothermic reaction.In the reaction a limited amount of water ismixed with dry calcium phosphate precursors toproduce a hydrated precursor paste. Hardening ofthe paste occurs rapidly at body temperature andis accompanied by the conversion of one or moreof the reactants to poorly crystalline apatitic calciumphosphate. The hardened cements, fillers,growth matrices, orthopedic and delivery devicesof the invention are rapidly resorbable and stimulatehard tissue growth and healing. A compositematerial is provided including a stronglybioresorbable, poorly crystalline apatitic calciumphosphate composite and a supplementary material.The supplementary material is in intimate contact with the hydroxyapatitematerial in an amount effective to impart a selectedcharacteristic to the composite. The supplemental material may bebiocompatible, bioresorbable or non-resorbable. A method for treatinga bone defect also is provided by identifying a bone site suitable forreceiving an implant, and introducing a strongly resorbable, poorlycrystalline apatitic calcium phosphate at the implant site, whereby bone isformed at the implant site. The implant site may be a variety ofsites, such as a tooth socket, non-union bone, bone prosthesis, anosteoporotic bone, an intervertebral space, an alveolar ridge or a bonefracture.