Cranioplasty by biomimetic hydroxyapatite collagen composites: a new method of cranioplasty in children

Objective To research new methods and materials for cranioplasty in children with various types of skull defects. Methods and Results A total of 40 childrens with different locations, sizes and reasons of skull defects underwent surgery using 3 classes of homogeneous yet heterogeneous biomimetic hydroxyapatite collagen bone materials developed by Tsinghua University. These include porous mineralized collagen scaffolds (pMC), compact mineralized collagen scaffolds (cMC), and biphasic mineralized collagen composite scaffolds (bMC). Cranioplasty was successful in all cases, with no serious postoperative complications and good recovery outcomes. After 3 months to one year of follow-up, there was no displacement of the implants, the shape of the head was normal, the incisions healed well. Reexamination CT showed that the biomimetic hydroxyapatite collagen bone material implants were not shifted, and imaging fusion was partially achieved. The pMC CT HU-value was 300-400 HU, and the cMC CT HU - value was 700-900 HU, and the CT HU - value was close to normal bone tissue over time. Conclusions The use of different types of biomimetic hydroxyapatite collagen composites allows for personalized cranial reconstruction based on individual needs, and has been proven to possess good bio- compatibility and osteoinductive capacity. This approach is thus promising for research and clinical applications, with significant value.