Autologous Bone Graft Harvesting Research Articles

A review on application and complications associated with Reamer Irrigator Aspirator (RIA) and RIA2 in autologous bone graft harvest

Background and Literature Review: The Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator (RIA) and RIA2 system have been gaining popularity for their application in autologous bone graft harvest, followed by intramedullary canal clearance and nail fixation in the past two decades. However, there have been only few studies on the use of newer RIA2 system. Current literature suggests that the prevalence of complications associated with RIA system varied from 0.7% to 11.9%. Among those complications, cortex perforation is the most commonly reported, followed by cardiopulmonary complications, wound infection, low energy fracture, and RIA device failure. In this study, we also illustrated a rare complication of device failure—breakage of reamer head with metallic debris retention in RIA2. Illustrative Case: The RIA2 system was used for autologous bone graft harvest in a young overweight man with significant tibial bone defect. During the harvest procedure, the reamer head broke in the femoral canal. There were retained metallic prongs inside the canal, which were retrieved and removed by different devices. Conclusion: The usage, efficacy, and safety of RIA and RIA2 system are deemed promising with proper indication, patient selection, and judicious surgical technique. Broken reamer head with retained metal debris is a rarely reported complication in RIA2 system. Mechanical, implant and patient factors possibly contribute to this complication. Preventive recommendations are also discussed in this study.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE AND COMPARISON OF AUTOLOGOUS CANCELLOUS BONE GRAFTS FROM VARIOUS DONOR SITES IN RATS

Autologous cancellous bone graft is the gold standard in large bone defect repair. However, studies using autologous bone grafting in rats are rare and donor sites as well as harvesting techniques vary. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of autologous cancellous bone graft harvest from 5 different anatomical sites in rats and compare their suitability as donor sites for autologous bone graft.13 freshly euthanised rats were used to describe the surgical approaches for autologous bone graft harvest from the humerus, iliac crest, femur, tibia and tail vertebrae (n=4), determine the cancellous bone volume and microstructure of those five donor sites using µCT (n=5), and compare their cancellous bone collected qualitatively by looking at cell outgrowth and osteogenic differentiation using an ALP assay and Alizarin Red S staining (n=4).It was feasible to harvest cancellous bone graft from all 5 anatomical sites with the humerus and tail being more surgically challenging. The microstructural analysis showed a significantly lower bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, and trabecular thickness of the humerus and iliac crest compared to the femur, tibia, and tail vertebrae. The harvested volume did not differ between the donor sites. All donor sites apart from the femur yielded primary osteogenic cells confirmed by the presence of ALP and Alizarin Red S stain. Bone samples from the iliac crest showed the most consistent outgrowth of osteoprogenitor cells.The tibia and iliac crest may be the most favourable donor sites considering the surgical approach. However, due to the differences in microstructure of the cancellous bone and the consistency of outgrowth of osteoprogenitor cells, the donor sites may have different healing properties, that need further investigation in an in vivo study.

Single-cell RNAseq provides insight into altered immune cell populations in human fracture nonunions.

Nonunion describes bone fractures that fail to heal, resulting in the fracture callus failing to fully ossify or, in atrophic cases, not forming altogether. Fracture healing is regulated, in part, by the balance of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes occurring within the bone marrow and surface cell populations. We sought to further understand the role of osteoimmunology (i.e., study of the close relationship between the immune system and bone) by examining immune cell gene expression via single-cell RNA sequencing of intramedullary canal tissue obtained from human patients with femoral nonunions. Intramedullary canal tissue samples obtained by reaming were collected at the time of surgical repair for femur fracture nonunion (n = 5) or from native bone controls when harvesting autologous bone graft (n = 4). Cells within the samples were isolated and analyzed using the Chromium Single-Cell System (10x GenomicsInc.) and Illumina sequencers. Twenty-three distinct cell clusters were identified, with higher cell proportions in the nonunion samples for monocytes and CD14 + dendritic cells (DCs), and lower proportions of T cells, myelocytes, and promyelocytes in nonunion samples. Gene expression differences were identified in each of the cell clusters from cell types associated with osteoimmunology, including CD14 + DC, monocytes, T cells, promyelocytes, and myelocytes. These results provide human-derived gene profiles that can further our understanding of pathways that may be a cause or a consequence of nonunion, providing the clinical rationale to focus on specific components of osteoimmunology. Clinical significance: The novel single-cell approach may lead to clinically relevant diagnostic biomarkers during earlier stages of nonunion development and/or investigation into therapeutic options.

Surgical technique and comparison of autologous cancellous bone grafts from various donor sites in rats.

Autologous cancellous bone graft is the gold standard in large bone defect repair. However, studies using autologous bone grafting in rats are rare. To determine the feasibility of autologous cancellous bone graft harvest from different anatomical donor sites (humerus, ilium, femur, tibia, and tail vertebrae) in rats and compare their suitability as donor sites, a total of 13 freshly euthanized rats were used to describe the surgical technique, determine the cancellous bone volume and microstructure, and compare the cancellous bone collected quantitatively and qualitatively. It was feasible to harvest cancellous bone grafts from all five anatomical sites with the humerus and tail being more surgically challenging. The microstructural analysis using micro-computed tomographyshowed a significantly lower bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, and trabecular thickness of the humerus and iliac crest compared to the femur, tibia, and tail vertebrae. The harvested weight and volume did not differ between the donor sites. All donor sites apart from the femur yielded primary osteogenic cells confirmed by the presence of alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin Red S stain. Bone samples from the iliac crest showed the most consistent outgrowth of osteoprogenitor cells. In conclusion, the tibia and iliac crest may be the most favorable donor sites considering the surgical approach. However, due to the differences in microstructure of the cancellous bone and the consistency of outgrowth of osteoprogenitor cells, the donor sites may have different healing properties, that need further investigation in an in vivo study.

63. Bone morphogenetic protein and cancer in spinal fusion: a propensity matched analysis

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Since its FDA approval in 2002, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has been increasingly used in spinal surgery to promote arthrodesis and avoid the morbidity of autologous iliac crest bone graft harvest. Recent data estimate its utilization in 25% of spinal fusions. Because growth factors such as rhBMP-2 stimulate cellular proliferation, the association of rhBMP-2 with tumorigenesis in spinal fusion is an area of concern. Previous research has generated conflicting conclusions on the risk of cancer in patients receiving rhBMP-2 for spinal fusion. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of new solid organ and hematopoietic malignancies in patients undergoing spinal arthrodesis with or without BMP in a large administrative database. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Retrospective propensity-matched analysis. <h3>METHODS</h3> Patients undergoing thoracolumbar fusion with or without BMP utilization between 2015-2020 were identified from the PearlDiver Mariner Patient Claims Database (PearlDiver Technologies, Colorado Springs, CO, USA) using ICD-10 codes. Patients with pre-existing malignancy diagnosis were excluded. Data were analyzed for incidence of solid organ malignancy (lung, breast, kidney, prostate, thyroid) and hematopoietic malignancy (lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia) diagnosed after spinal surgery. Propensity score matching was performed between patients who did and did not receive BMP. Propensity matched variables were selected a priori and included age, sex, and year of surgery. <h3>RESULTS</h3> Among patients without a history of solid organ malignancy undergoing thoracolumbar fusion, BMP was used in 9,593 patients and was not used in 193,713. In the propensity matched group, 1.5% of the BMP group developed solid organ malignancy following surgery compared to 1.9% of the non-BMP group. The odds ratio of developing solid organ malignancy in the BMP group compared to the control group was 0.80 (95% CI 0.64-1.00); P=0.056. Among patients without a history of hematopoietic malignancy undergoing thoracolumbar fusion, BMP was used in 9,913 patients and was not used in 191,006 patients. In the propensity matched group, 0.3% of the BMP group developed hematopoietic malignancy compared to 0.5% of the non-BMP group. The odds ratio of developing hematopoietic malignancy in the BMP group compared to the control group was 0.69 (95% CI 0.44-1.07); P=0.12. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> BMP use in a large patient population undergoing thoracolumbar fusion was not associated with increased risk of new solid organ or hematopoietic malignancy. Limitations of this study include its reliance on accurate documentation and coding, including documentation of BMP use which may not be as robust as CPT coding since BMP coding may not be reimbursable. However, for the subset of patients with clear documentation of BMP use, this study further supports emerging data on the lack of a causal relationship between BMP use and malignancy. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> Bone morphogenetic protein: Approved for certain types of spinal fusion.

Hydroxyapatite/collagen composite graft for posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a comparison with local bone graft

BackgroundAutologous bone has been used for posterior lumbar intervertebral fusion (PLIF). However, harvesting autologous bone graft is associated with donor site complications. We previously developed a hydroxyapatite/collagen (HAp/Col) composite as an osteoconductive artificial bone, characterized by having a highly porous structure with sponge‐like elasticity. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of HAp/Col composite with bone marrow aspirate (BMA) as a graft substitute in PLIF for the treatment of lumbar spinal diseases.MethodsThis study prospectively investigated patients who received one-level PLIF. For the interbody fusion, two titanium cages were inserted. On the one side of interbody space, HAp/Col composite incorporated with BMA filling the titanium cage was grafted. On the other side, local bone graft (LBG) harvested during decompressive laminotomy was grafted and then one-level instrumentation using pedicle screws was performed. The target levels were at L2/3 in 2 cases, L3/4 in 3 cases, L4/5 in 36 cases, and L5/S in 5 cases. We evaluated clinical symptoms and radiological outcomes of 46 patients and compared the fusion status of HAp/Col composite with that of LBG.ResultsThe 1-year postoperative CT evaluation demonstrated that, in the HAp/Col, a complete fusion was observed in 38 patients (82.6%), whereas in the LBG, a complete fusion was observed in 35 patients (76.1%). There were no statistical differences between the HAp/Col and LBG. In the HAp/Col, incomplete fusion was observed in five patients (10.9%) and non-fusion in two patients (4.3%), and in the LBG, incomplete fusion was observed in nine patients (19.6%) and non-fusion in two patients (4.3%). At 2 years after the surgery, complete fusion increased to 44 patients (95.7%) in the HAp/Col and 41 patients (89.1%) in the LBG. There were no significant differences in the clinical scores for lumbar spine between patients with fusion and non-fusion.ConclusionsThe HAp/Col composite with BMA in the titanium cage can be effectively used as an alternative to conventional autologous LBG for intervertebral spinal fusion.Trial registration University hospital Medical Information Network, UMIN000045010, July 30th, 2021, Retrospectively registered, https://www.umin.ac.jp/english/.

Femoral neck bone autograft for the core decompression treatment of the hip osteonecrosis: Surgical technique

Background: Hip joint preserving procedures delay the progression of the femoral head osteonecrosis. Non-vascularised autologous bone grafts have been used to fill the necrotic area and prevent the collapse of the femoral head. Harvesting and use of autologous femoral neck bone graft, minimizing the donor site complications and favoring the bone regeneration after core decompression. Methods: 17 patients in early stage of the femoral head osteonecrosis were operated, 12 males and 5 females with mean age of 45.3 years old. Were treated with core decompression and autograft harvested from the femoral neck. All the patients were evaluated with an MRI preoperatively, and at the follow up with X-rays of the hip and functional clinical scores. Results: We didn’t observe any complications both at the donor site and the hip at any stage of the follow up. All the patients returned to previous everyday activities, free of pain. There was a significant improvement regarding the functional scores. Conclusion: We present the surgical technique of using femoral neck bone autograft for the treatment of the femoral head osteonecrosis. The technique is simply and sufficient in most early and midterm cases adding an advantage to the minimal invasing and join preserving technique of core decompression.

Efficacy of Povidone Iodine Solution in the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections in Minimally Invasive Instrumented Spinal Fusion Surgery.

Study Design:A retrospective case-controlled study.Objectives:To evaluate overall infection rate and adverse event after harvesting bone graft soaking and surgical wound irrigation by povidone iodine solution (PVI) in the minimally invasive instrumented spinal fusion surgery. In order to reduce the rate of surgical site infection in spinal surgery, surgical wound irrigation by povidone iodine solution has been well-established. However, the efficacy of autologous bone graft soaking by PVI has not been evaluated before.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study. 120 patients were enrolled in the PVI group and compared with 124 patients in the historical cohort. In the PVI group, the harvesting autologous bone graft was soaking and the surgical wound was also irrigated by diluted PVI solution. The outcome measures were overall infection rate, superficial wound infection and deep infection. In addition, the delayed union of the fusion mass was also evaluated through the radiograph evaluation.Results:Both groups shared similar patient demographics instead of body mass index. The use of PVI solution had decreased the overall infection rate (0% versus 4.03%, p = 0.026) and deep infection rate (0% versus 3.23%, p = 0.047). In addition, there was no delayed bone healing in the PVI group after autologous bone graft soaking.Conclusions:In this study, we conclude that harvested autologous bone graft after PVI soaking in spinal fusion surgery can decrease the incidence of deep infection.

Long Term Autograft Harvest Site Pain after Ankle and Hindfoot Arthrodesis

Category:Ankle; Hindfoot; OtherIntroduction/Purpose:Autologous bone has traditionally been the gold standard for grafting material during foot or ankle arthrodesis. While autograft use has been effective, its harvest does present certain distinctive risks to the patient including persistent harvest site pain. Previous studies have examined harvest site pain, but most have focused on the iliac crest and none provide longer term follow-up. The purpose of this study was to examine long-term (7-10 year) donor site pain from four lower extremity harvest site locations in subjects undergoing autograft harvest for hindfoot or ankle arthrodesis.Methods:All subjects in the control arm of a previously conducted Level 1 clinical trial comparing autologous bone with a synthetic bone graft substitute for hindfoot or ankle arthrodesis were invited back for a single visit at a minimum of 5 years following their initial surgery. Autograft was harvested from either the proximal tibia (51.7%), iliac crest (17.2%), calcaneus (15.5%), distal tibia (6.8%), or other location (8.6%). Harvest site pain, fusion site pain, and weight-bearing pain were evaluated using a 100-point visual analog scale (VAS), with clinically significant pain considered as any score greater than 20 (Todd et al., 1996).Results:Of the 130 subjects receiving autograft in the original trial, 58 returned for assessment at a mean follow-up of 9.0 years (Table 1). The mean harvest site VAS at final follow-up was 4.4 (range, 0.0-97.0) with 37.9% of subjects reporting some level of pain. The percentage of subjects who reported clinically significant pain was 35.7%, 21.4%, 18.2%, 10.5%, 8.9%, and 5.2% at 2, 6, 12, 24, 52 weeks, and final follow-up, respectively. Of those subjects reporting clinically significant pain at final follow-up, two had undergone harvest from the proximal tibial and one from the iliac crest. A significant correlation was found between harvest site pain and both weight-bearing and fusion site pain, but not between harvest site pain and the volume of graft harvested.Conclusion:This study is the first to examine persistence of long-term harvest site pain following autologous bone graft harvest during hindfoot or ankle arthrodesis. Over one-third of patients still reported persistent pain at an average follow-up of 9 years, with 5% experiencing clinically significant pain. The proximal tibia harvest site had the greatest incidence of reported pain. These data suggest that harvesting autologous bone does carry inherent risk of persistent, long-term pain. This factor should be considered when informing patients of procedural risks and when choosing between autograft or graft substitute during arthrodesis surgery.

Bone Graft Harvesting From the Calcaneus Using Lateral Wall Corticotomy Technique by an Osteotome.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the complications following calcaneal autologous bone graft harvesting using an osteotome in patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery with follow-up of at least 1 year. Methods: In a cohort study, all consecutive patients underwent forefoot or midfoot surgeries in conjunction with harvesting bone graft from the calcaneus using lateral wall corticotomy technique by an osteotome from 2015 till 2018 were asked to follow. The outcome and morbidity were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) pain, numbness in territory of the sural nerve, surgical site numbness or tenderness, infection, hematoma formation, or pathologic fracture. Also any possible restrictions on wearing desired shoes were asked. Results: Totally, 50 patients (11 males, 39 females; 29 right foot, 21 left foot) with the mean age of 48.2 ± 13.8 years (range 8-66 years) were assessed. There were no major complications on donor site such as infection, hematoma formation, or pathologic fracture. The following results were seen; 90% without any pain (VAS 0/10), 96% without numbness at the incision site, 96% without point tenderness on lateral of heel, 98% without paresthesia or numbness in the sural nerve territory, and 84% were able to wear their favorite shoes. Forty-one (82%) cases said if they need another foot surgery, they would permit to harvest bone graft from their heel. Conclusions: Autologous bone graft harvesting from the calcaneus using lateral wall corticotomy technique by an osteotome could be a useful method with very low complications.Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, level IV: cohort, case series.

Arthroscopic Harvesting of Autologous Bone Graft for Use as a Mesenchymal Stem Cell Carrier in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are detrimental to knee stability and normal function. Although the standard of treatment is an ACL reconstruction, technical improvements are sought to enhance clinical outcomes due to the appreciable failure rate. The use of autologous biologic substances as carriers of stem cells are desirable because of their multipotent properties. Traditionally, the collection of autologous bone grafts is through an open incision of the iliac crest, which causes substantial morbidity to the patient. This Technical Note describes an arthroscopic, minimally invasive collection method of autologous tibial and femoral bone graft to use in backfilling the tunnels during an ACL reconstruction to improve graft incorporation and clinical outcomes.

28. Evaluation of three commercially available synthetic bone grafts in a clinically relevant ovine model of instrumented lumbar posterolateral fusion

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Synthetic bone grafts are important tools for spinal surgeons who wish to avoid the invasive harvesting of autologous bone graft for spinal fusions. Various synthetic bone grafts are available on the market, including materials based on bioglass, calcium phosphate or a combination of both. Side-by-side comparisons of synthetic bone grafts in relevant preclinical study models can provide valuable insights that can aid in the selection of treatment options. PURPOSE The current study compared three commercially available synthetic bone grafts as stand-alone grafts in a clinically relevant ovine model of instrumented posterolateral fusion (PLF). STUDY DESIGN/SETTING The three different synthetic bone grafts evaluated are: (1) putty formulation of biphasic calcium phosphate with submicron topography that was previously shown to have equivalent performance to autograft in this model (BCP; MagnetOs Putty, Kuros Biosciences BV), (2) putty formulation of 45S5 bioglass (BG; Novabone Putty, Novabone Products LLC), (3) composite of beta-tri-calcium phosphate, 45S5 bioglass and bovine type I collagen (TCP+BG; Vitoss BA2X Foam pack, Orthovita, Inc). Autograft bone (AB) was used as positive control. Twelve weeks after implantation, the treatments were evaluated. OUTCOME MEASURES Main study end points include fusion assessment by manual palpation, X-ray imaging and micro-CT scans. Range of motion (ROM) of spine levels was assessed in lateral bending (LB) and flexion-extension (FE). Quantification of fusion mass volume was performed using micro-CT. Histology was performed to evaluate bone formation and tissue responses with the different graft materials. METHODS Following ethical approval, 9 sheep underwent instrumented PLF surgery at L2-3 and L4-5 levels. Autograft was harvested from the Os Ilium and distal femur. After decortication of the transverse processes (TPs), 10 cc of each graft material (AB; n=6, BCP; n=6, BG; n=3, TCP+BG; n=3) was implanted bilaterally in the posterolateral regions, bridging the inter-transverse process space. After sacrifice, specimens were assessed by manual palpation, X-ray imaging, Micro-CT and ROM testing at 7.5 Nm after removing instrumentation. Subsequently, treated spine levels were processed for histology in polymethylmethacrylate to visualize bone tissue in the fusion mass. RESULTS Fusion assessment by manual palpation revealed a 6/6 fusion rate for AB and BCP, while for both BG and TCP+BG, a 1/3 fusion rate was determined. Fusion assessment of X-ray and Micro-CT were consistent and determined an either unilateral or bilateral robust bone bridge in 6/6 levels for both AB and BCP, while The BG group exhibited unilateral bridging in 2/3 levels and the TCP+BG group did not include a robust bone bridge in any of the levels. ROM testing revealed equivalent ROMs in LB and FE for AB and BCP, being substantially and significantly lower than those of BG and TCP+BG groups. Fusion mass volume quantification determined fusion mass volumes of 5.7 ± 1.6 cm3 for AB, 9.6 ± 0.4 cm3 for BCP, 3.0 ± 1.1 cm3 for BG and 2.4 ± 1.0 cm3 for TCP+BG. Correspondingly, histology revealed significant graft resorption for BG and TCP+BG groups, while abundant bone tissue in the inter-TP space was observed for AB and BCP. A continuous bony bridge in between TPs was frequently observed in the BCP group on histological sections. CONCLUSIONS Calcium phosphate with submicron topography was the only synthetic bone graft to perform equally well as autograft as a stand-alone graft in this PLF model. Both bioglass-based bone grafts significantly underperformed as compared to autograft and BCP on every single assessment method. The bioglass-based synthetics were observed to undergo significant resorption and were not able to induce bone formation in the soft tissue region in between the TPs. Calcium phosphate with submicron topography may be the better treatment option than bioglass-based bone grafts as a synthetic bone graft substitute. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS MagnetOs Granules (Investigational/Not approved), Novabone Putty (Approved for this indication), Vitoss BA2X (Approved for this indication).

Single Stage Repair of #30 Facial Cleft with Bone Morphogenic Protein.

Summary:Tessier #30 clefts (median mandibular clefts) represent a spectrum of deformities ranging from a minor cleft in the lower lip to complete clefts of the mandible involving the tongue, lower lip, hyoid bone, thyroid cartilages, and manubrium. Various techniques have been used to address these problems; the most common procedure involving 2 stages: an initial correction of the soft tissue followed by closure of the mandibular cleft at a later date using bone grafting. This approach was subsequently reduced to a single operation, but still required harvesting of autologous bone graft. Here, we describe a modified single-stage operation using human recombinant bone morphogenic protein, avoiding bone graft harvest and allowing for simultaneous treatment of bone and soft tissue.

Proliferative and osteogenic differentiation capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells: Influence of harvesting site and donor age

Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) are the cellular source of new bone formation and an essential component of autologous bone grafts. Autologous bone graft harvesting is routinely conducted at the iliac crest, although alternative donor sites with lower complication rates are available. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare hMSCs harvested from the iliac crest and the proximal tibia regarding their proliferative and osteogenic differentiation capacity. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of donor age on these biological properties.HMSCs were isolated from iliac crest or proximal tibia bone grafts of 46 patients. Proliferative capacity was assessed by cumulative population doublings, population doubling time, colony forming units and cell proliferation assays. Osteogenic capacity was assessed by quantification of extracellular calcium deposition and marker gene expression levels. The number of hMSCs per gram harvested tissue was determined. Furthermore, the adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation capacity were quantified using BODIPY and Safranin Orange staining, respectively. Additional analyses were carried out after grouping young (18–49 years) and aged (≥50 years) donors.HMSCs derived from the proximal tibia featured a comparable proliferative and osteogenic differentiation capacity. No significant differences were found for any analysis conducted, when compared to hMSCs obtained from the iliac crest. Furthermore, no significant differences could be revealed when comparing young and aged donors. This was equally true for hMSCs from both donor sites after comparison within the same age group.Our study demonstrates comparable biological properties of hMSCs derived from both donor sites, the iliac crest and the proximal tibia. Furthermore, aging does not alter proliferative and osteogenic differentiation capacity. Consequently, the proximal tibia should be considered more closely as an alternative donor site in patients of all age groups.

Comparing morbidities of bone graft harvesting from the anterior iliac crest and proximal tibia: a retrospective study

BackgroundThe anterior iliac crest (AIC) and proximal tibia (PT) are common donor sites for autologous bone graft harvesting. We compared pain levels at these harvest sites on 1 day, 5 days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks post-harvest.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 18 patients undergoing autologous bone grafting surgery at a level I trauma center between June 2013 and October 2014. Ten grafts were harvested from the AIC group and eight from the PT group. A standard visual analog scale (VAS) was used to rate pain at the harvest sites on postoperative day (POD) 1, 5, 14, 28, and 56 and at the recipient site on POD 1.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between both groups in age (p = 0.474), gender (p = 1.00), incidence of harvest site morbidity (p = 1.00), and average VAS at the recipient site on POD 1 (p = 0.471). VAS at the harvest site on POD 1, 5, and 14 confirmed statistically that pain was more severe in the AIC group than in the PT group (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed on POD 28 and 56 between both groups. Pain was significantly less on POD 1 in the PT group at the harvest site than at the recipient site (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe PT is a suitable harvest site, producing statistically less pain for at least two postoperative weeks than the AIC. Besides, patients report less postoperative pain at the PT harvest site than at the recipient site.

Complications and risk management in the use of the reaming-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) system: RIA is a safe and reliable method in harvesting autologous bone graft.

BackgroundAutologous bone grafting (ABG) remains the gold standard for augmentation of bone defects. The RIA system has become more prevalent, but evidence regarding risk management and complications remain scarce. This study presents the risk management and complications associated with RIA in the largest single-center case series to date.MethodsAll records, operative notes, lab data and radiographs of patients receiving a RIA procedure at Heidelberg´s University Hospital between 01/01/2010 and 31/12/2016 were reviewed. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusting for clinically relevant covariates were used to examine the respective relevance regarding the presence and absence of prolonged postoperative pain (PPP).ResultsA total of 341 RIA procedures on 306 patients were performed at our level-1 trauma center. The femur was the main donor site (98.53%; N = 336) whereas only in 1.47% (N = 5) the tibia was utilized. A total of 11 patients showed a relevant loss of hemoglobin requiring blood transfusion. A total of 22 patients suffered from PPP directly associated with the RIA procedure resulting in prevalence of 6.45%. The 6 major complications in our study were of diverse origin and all intraoperative complications took place in the early phase of the RIA procedure in our center (2010–2013). Our data revealed influence of sex (p = 0.0459) and age (p = 0.0596) on the criterion PPP. The favored model including sex and age resulted in an AUC of 66.2% (CI: 55.5%-76.9%).ConclusionPerioperative blood loss remains a prevalent complication during RIA reaming. In addition, PPP occurs with a prevalence of 6.45%. This study showed a complication rate of 1.76%, emphasizing RIA´s overall safety and furthermore highlighting the need for vigilance in its application and prior extensive hands-on training of surgeons. Level of Evidence: II.

Demineralized Dentin Matrix (DDM) As aCarrier for Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (rhBMP-2).

A bone graft and bone graft substitute should have at least one of the following properties: it should be (1) osteogenic, (2) osteoinductive and/or (3) osteoconductive. In addition, bone graft substitutes should be biocompatible and bioresorbable as well as easy to use and cost effective. Autologous cancellous bone is the clinical gold standard in bone grafting procedures1, 4 and it has osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive properties. Because of disadvantages associated with harvesting autologous bone graft material, such as requiring an additional operation and possible donor site morbidity, there is a need for an alternative in terms of enhancing the bone healing for the treatment of large bony defects. One possible option is a newly developed biomaterial, the demineralized dentin matrix (DDM). It is based on autogenous tooth dentin and is produced through demineralization. It is osteoconductive and osteoinductive due to the fact that dentin contains extracellular Type I collagen and various growth factors. Based on the demineralization process the factors stay available to the host environment. In 1965, Urist already showed the formation of ectopic bone after implanting DDM into muscle pouches in rodents. DDM is used for example in dental surgery in the treatment of extraction socket preservation and guided bone regenerations. It functions as a scaffold to support bone regeneration, but can also be used as a carrier for rhBMP-2. When DDM serves as a carrier, it combines the properties of the grafting material with those of the delivered substances. This chapter will present the experimental and clinical studies of DDM for rhBMP-2 carrier as well as alternatives of bone graft substitute.

Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator bone graft harvesting for treatment of segmental bone loss: analysis of defect volume as independent risk factor for failure.

The management of segmental bone loss poses a significant clinical challenge. The purpose of this study was to conduct a retrospective evaluation of our experience in treating segmental bone loss, using Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator (RIA)-harvested autologous bone graft. Between June 2008 and March 2015, 81 patients were treated with the RIA technique for multiple purposes. Inclusion criteria for this study were skeletal mature patients with segmental bone loss, due to acute trauma or non-union, who were treated with RIA-harvested bone graft. Exclusion criteria were skeletal immaturity, pathological fractures and indications for the RIA system other than bone graft harvesting. The primary outcome parameter was clinical and radiographical bone healing. During the study period, 72 patients met the inclusion criteria. In total, 39 patients (54.2%) were classified as having clinical and radiographical bone healing. Although univariate analysis could not reveal any significant influence of specific risk factors to predict the outcome, there was a trend towards statistical significance for defect volume. Further analysis indeed revealed that smaller defect volumes (<8cm3) had a lower risk of non-union. In approximately half of our study population, the use of the RIA technique for autologous bone graft harvesting in cases of segmental bone loss resulted in a successful outcome with bone healing. Defect size seems to be a critical issue regarding the outcome. Although our results are less promising than previously published, the RIA technique has its place in the treatment algorithm of segmental bone defects.

Assessing Donor Site Complications of Iliac Crest Bone Graft in Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunion

Background: Bone grafting is a common surgical technique to augment bone regeneration in orthopedic surgery. Autologous bone graft harvesting is the reliable treatment option and iliac crest is the most common harvesting site for healing bone fractures. However, the results of iliac crest bone graft harvesting are associated with morbidity and a number of complications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess donor site complications of scaphoid nonunion, to find clinical outcomes and the impact of iliac crest bone graft on age, gender, pain, numbness, itching, nerve injury and scar appearance of patients. Methods: In a prospective review of 61 cases of iliac crest bone graft procedures at the Shafa hospital from 2013 to 2014, complica- tions including pain, infection, hematoma, stress fracture, hypertrophic scars, numbness area and itching were assessed clinically. Results: Pain identified as the most common complication. The most common complications following postoperative pain at the donor site that reduced after six weeks were: numbness 3.27%, unsatisfactory scar appearance 3.27% and itching discomfort 1.63%. Conclusions: Harvesting of iliac crest bone graft can be the ideal way to prepare graft procedures required surgery scaphoid nonunion fractures with minimal complications. Nevertheless, with an adequate preoperative planning and appropriate surgical technique, the prevalence of these complications can be reduced.

Retrograde Versus Antegrade Femoral Bone Graft Harvesting Using the Reamer–Irrigator–Aspirator

To compare retrograde versus antegrade femoral bone graft harvesting using the reamer-irrigator-aspirator system to determine whether there was any difference in intraoperative, postoperative, or patient outcome variables. Retrospective cohort study. Urban Level I Trauma Center. Ninety-four (62 antegrade and 32 retrograde procedures) consecutive adult patients who underwent femoral autologous bone graft harvesting using the Synthes reamer-irrigator-aspirator system between April 2008 and March 2013. Amount of bone graft, perioperative fractures or other complications, and postoperative hip and/or knee pain. There was no significant difference between demographic or medical comorbidities between the groups. There was no significant difference in the side of the graft harvest, graft volume, hospital length of stay, or the ability to ambulate on postoperative day 1. There was a significantly increased incidence of iatrogenic fracture or prophylactic nailing with antegrade reaming (4 vs. 0, P = 0.01). Average length of follow-up was 500 (range, 20-1477) days for the antegrade group and 378 (range, 19-706) days for the retrograde group. The antegrade group had a nonsignificant increased incidence of hip pain (8.1% vs. 3.1%, P = 0.66), and the retrograde group had a significantly higher incidence of knee pain (15.6% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.02) at 6-month follow-up. Neither hip nor knee complaints were present at final follow-up. No cases of delayed femur fracture, infection, or abductor and/or antalgic gait involving the donor extremity were seen at final follow-up. This study provides support to the safety of femoral bone graft harvesting using both antegrade and retrograde techniques. Both techniques provide reliable, high-volume, nonstructural autologous bone graft with minimal associated morbidity. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.