Hydroxyapatite: An alternative method of frontal sinus obliteration

Surgical obliteration of the frontal sinus has been approached in many ways over the past 100 years. The search for the ideal implant material continues. In contrast to alloplastic materials, HAC is biocompatible and allows osseointegration. It is easily sculpted to fill irregular defects. There is no exothermic reaction that could injure adjacent tissues. Potential donor site morbidity associated with the use of autogenous tissue is avoided. Clinical experience with HAC with follow-up as long as 6 years demonstrates its safety, efficacy, and stability. Greater experience is needed to explore its limitations and develop new applications. In the future, the physicochemical properties and degree of osseointegration of the HAC may be modulated with the addition of antibiotics or growth factors.