Aesthetic Implantation of Calcium Hydroxylapatite Does Not Interfere With Radiological Assessment of Bones in the Dorsum of the Hands

Abstract

Abstract Background Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a radiopaque dermal filler used to provide volume correction in the dorsum of the hand. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CaHA implantation in the dorsum of the hand interferes with radiological assessment by obscuring the bones. Methods This 2-year, prospective, single-center, open-label study enrolled 20 subjects with Merz Hand Grading Scale (MHGS) grades ranging from moderate (MHGS 2 or 3; n = 10) to very severe (MHGS 4; n = 10). All subjects received an initial CaHA treatment and were offered up to 3 retreatments to provide volume correction in the dorsum of the hands, over a period of 18 months. Bone obscuration was assessed by blinded, licensed radiologists responsible for interpreting plain radiographs (X-rays). Results CaHA was seen to be present in 100% of hands in Month 1 X-rays and in 83.3% in Month 24 X-rays, but no bone obscuration was reported in any X-rays at any evaluated time point. Conclusions According to blinded radiologists, treatment with CaHA in the dorsum of the hand does not obscure radiographic assessment of the bones seen on X-rays up to 24 months after initial injection. The safety of CaHA retreatment was also demonstrated by the lack of bone obscuration after multiple retreatments. Level of Evidence: 2