Tricalcium phosphate

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is a bioceramic substance that exists in two crystalline modifications, α-TCP and β-TCP. These exhibit considerable differences with regard to their resorption properties: When in contact with tissue fluid, α-TCP transforms into non-absorbable hydroxylapatite (Merten et al., 2000). In contrast, β-TCP is completely resorbed (Trisi et al., 2003). Only so-called pure-phase β-TCP, which does not contain other components, can resorb completely, uniformly and parallel to the formation of autologous bone.

Purity

In contrast to other β-TCPs, the purity of Cerasorb^® guarantees a homogeneous solution behavior which, in turn, guarantees stable augmentation during the resorption period. Other formulations contain impure phases. Impure phases that are resorbed more rapidly can result in micromovements which can negatively affect bone formation. Impure phases that are resorbed more slowly or not at all remain as a residue in the newly formed bone and disturb the load-oriented alignment of the bone trabeculae in the remodeling process.

Open Pore Structure

The well defined open pore structure of Cerasorb^® is a significant factor in achieving efficient bone regeneration with uniform, complete resorbability. The Cerasorb^® scaffold is sintered together via sinternecks forming a microporous intertunneling (interconnecting) system inside as well as outside. The capillary forces of these pores draw blood and body fluids into the material. This provides an active cell supply and allows for resorption/degradation from outside to inside as well as from inside to outside. Micro-, meso-, and macropores optimize the conditions for optimal bone growth.

Physical Stability

Large particle size is yet another important advantage of Cerasorb^®. Small particles can elicit macrophage activity and will therefore not optimally provide the desired scaffold for new bone growth. An aseptic inflammation and/or foreign body reaction can also occur with small particles. The particle size of Cerasorb^® is highly controlled and far exceeds what could elicit such undesirable results.

Owing to the sum of its product properties and an uncompromisingly high and reproducible quality, Cerasorb^® is the β -TCP which meanwhile can be termed 'Gold Standard' (Merten et al., 2003).