Metacarpal bone reconstruction by a cementless induced membrane technique

Abstract

Gunshot wounds to the hand often produce complex injuries and large segmental bone defects. Bone reconstruction remains a challenge in this context. The induced membrane technique is a simple and effective procedure for reconstruction of segmental bone defects. The technique is straightforward but must be performed rigorously. Usually polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement is required for the first stage of the surgery. We describe four cases of metacarpal bone reconstruction after gunshot wounds in a limited-resource setting. Two patients were treated using the induced membrane technique with a polypropylene syringe body instead of PMMA cement, which was unavailable in this situation. A thick membrane was observed 6 weeks after spacer implantation. Bone union was achieved in all cases.