Compositional changes of a dicalcium phosphate dihydrate cement after implantation in sheep

A hydraulic calcium phosphate cement having dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) as end-product of the setting reaction was implanted in a cylindrical defect in the diaphysis of sheep for up to 6 months. The composition of the cement was investigated as a function of time. After setting, the cement composition consisted essentially of a mixture of DCPD and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). In the first few weeks of implantation, the edges of the cement samples became depleted in DCPD, suggesting a selective dissolution of DCPD, possibly due to low pH conditions. The cement resorption at this stage was high. After 8 weeks, the resorption rate slowed down. Simultaneously, a change of the color and density of the cement center was observed. These changes were due to the conversion of DCPD into a poorly crystalline apatite. Precipitation started after 6–8 weeks and progressed rapidly. At 9 weeks, the colored central zone reached its maximal size. The fraction of β-TCP in the cement was constant at all time. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the resorption rate of DCPD cement is more pronounced as long as DCPD is not transformed in vivo.