Hydroxyapatite-tricalcium phosphate as a filler for resected bone tumors or bone cysts of the upper extremity and hand

We used hydroxyapatite-tricalcium phosphate (HAP-TCP) granules to fill bone defects created by resection of bone tumors or bone cysts of the upper extremity and hand. Twenty-eight patients with bone tumors or bone cysts underwent resection and filling of defects with HAP-TCP. Twenty-two patients had solitary enchondromas of the metacarpals or phalanges, 2 had giant cell tumors of the distal radius, 1 had osteoid osteoma of the proximal shaft of the radius, 2 had solitary bone cysts of the proximal humerus, and 1 had an epidermoid cyst of the distal phalanx. We cut a rectangular window in the cortex over the lesion, resected the tumor or cyst, and filled the bone defect with HAP-TCP granules. The time until the range of motion recovered to more than 90% of that on the healthy side was 7.7 ± 2.6 weeks, the time until grip power recovered to more than 90% of that on the healthy side was 12.2 ± 2.5 weeks, and the time until HAP-TCP bonded with the surrounding bone was 14.8 ± 4.3 weeks. In conclusion, HAP-TCP was effective for filling bone defects created by resection or curettage of bone tumors or bone cysts of the upper extremity and hand.