Surface Chemistry of Sintered Hydroxyapatite: On Possible Relations with Biodegradation and Slow Crack Propagation

Abstract

Ceramics with compositions resembling those of inorganic phases in bone and tooth tissue have been considered for clinical use since the end of the last century. Dreesman (1) applied Plaster of Paris (CaSO₄) to fill bony defects in patients. Since then, calciumphosphate has been advocated regularly as a suitable bioceramic to replace bone. However, it degrades too fast for new bone to fill the empty spaces left behind, so that it never became a widely accepted substitute for autologous bone. (2).