R. O'Hara

Injectable calcium phosphate cements for spinal bone repair

Abstract: Calcium phosphate cement (CPC)-based systems are self-setting bioactive biomaterials which demonstrate unique properties for spinal bone repair applications. The chapter describes a brief overview of the need for spinal repair and the associated minimally invasive surgical techniques that are currently used. Consequently, an overview of the main types of CPC-based systems is presented. The fundamental material requirements for spinal repair using minimally invasive surgical techniques are presented and technological efforts are being channelled to improve the properties of CPC-based systems. Finally, other clinical applications beyond spinal repair and future research initiatives are outlined.