Hydroxylapatite blocks and particles as bone graft substitutes in orthognathic and reconstructive surgery.

A three-year clinical evaluation of 98 patients in whom dense hydroxylapatite in particle and block form had been placed in facial contour defects and osteotomy sites, and in cystic and reconstructive defects, alone or with autogenous bone, was conducted. The results indicate that the implants were effective in reducing operating time and potential for infection and relapse, as well as in reducing or eliminating the necessity of a donor site. The clinical response was excellent, and complications with both forms were minor, generally related to lack of initial fixation or failure to use autogenous bone in specific situations.