Early resorption of an artificial bone graft made of calcium phosphate for cranioplasty: case report
A 24-year-old man noticed a slow growing mass over the left parietal region of his skull. Radiological studies suggested an osteoma. After 3 years of follow-up, the lesion became larger, with an irregular surface. Surgical resection was then indicated.\nThe procedure consisted of an open craniectomy. The bone around the tumor was removed using a pneumatic craniotome, and by drilling away bony matrix over the sagittal sinus bone to the sagittal suture. After complete tumor removal, CP was performed using calcium phosphate bone cement (Bone Plast® Bone Void Filler, Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA), covering the entire bone gap (22 cm2), and above the inner table close to the sagittal sinus. Pathologic analysis suggested osteoma with low density of Haversian canals and mineralization, without signs of malignancy.\nOne month after the procedure, the patient noticed that the CP was not consolidated. He felt the flap moving while performing the Valsalva maneuver. Radiological investigation was performed and the area covered by the CP was not consolidated to the bone, and fragmentation could be observed ( and ). After 3 months, the patient noticed a sunken area of scalp. Radiological investigation reported that the patient had absorbed the calcium phosphate bone cement ( and ).