Autologous Cancellous Bone Graft Research Articles

Management of talar lesions with cement augmentation and autologous bone graft.

Treatment of bone lesions involved with the articular cartilage at the talus is challenging. We report the management of talus lesions, particularly tumors and avascular necrosis (AVN), at the articular surface through treatment with cement augmentation and autologous bone graft. Eight benign bone tumors and three cases of AVN were reviewed retrospectively at a mean follow-up of 56 months (range, 12-162). The mean age of all patients was 36.1years old (range, 15-73) when assessed between February 2005 and November 2021. Curettage of tumorous and necrotic lesions resulted in significant bone defects filled with bone cement augmentation. Cartilage defects of the talar dome were supported with autologous cancellous bone graft. Tolerable weight-bearing ambulation was permitted immediately after surgery. Radiological and functional evaluations were recorded. We observed an increase in the average The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) (p = .003) and a decrease in the average Visual Analogue Scale pain score (p = .003). There was no statistically significant decrease in ROM before or after surgery (p = .114). Additionally, no talus collapse of the ankle joint occurred. Talar dome status did not aggravate before or after surgery, except for one patient. Despite no radiographic osteoarthritis exacerbation before or after surgery in six patients, five patients had osteoarthritic change. Cement implantation and autologous bone graft performed simultaneously for benign bone tumors with joint cartilage damage and AVN are technically simple, have good outcomes, and may be a suitable alternative to standard treatments.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of revision with autogenous "structured" bone grafting combined with superior plate for recalcitrant atrophic nonunion of clavicular midshaft: a retrospective study.

To assess the efficacy of autogenous "structured" bone grafting (ASBG), it was combined with superior plate (SP) revision operations for recalcitrant clavicular midshaft aseptic nonunion (CMAN). This retrospective study included 12 patients who suffered from failure of autologous cancellous bone grafting (ACBG) and SP fixation because of CMAN. Visual analogue scale (VAS) data for pain and disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores of patients who underwent these procedures from January 2019 to December 2020, obtained before surgery and at the final follow-up time, were analysed. The average time between primitive fracture and this operative treatment was 29months (15-38months). The average duration of surgery was 153minutes (range, 115-230min), and the average blood loss was 560ml (range, 350-860ml). Complications occurred in two cases (16.67%): one was persistent pain at the donor site, and the other was a calf muscle vein thrombosis. No tissue infection was observed during follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 18months (range, 12-30months). All fractures progressed to osseous healing at a mean time of 14weeks (range, 12-16weeks). The mean pain VAS score significantly improved, from 4.8 ± 1.7 pre-operatively to 1.9 ± 1.1 at the final follow-up (P = 0.01). The mean DASH score improved significantly from 30.1 ± 11.2 pre-operatively to 7.8 ± 4. 2 at the final follow-up (P < 0.01). ASBG combined with SP revision surgery achieved excellent clinical outcomes in patients with recalcitrant CMAN.

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.

Management of juvenile and aneurysmal bone cysts: a systematic literature review with meta-analysis

PurposeNumerous approaches to the management of juvenile and aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are described in the specialist literature together with discussion of the associated healing and recurrence rates. Since there is currently no evidence-based treatment standard for these conditions, the aim of this systematic literature review with meta-analysis was to examine the different management approaches, evaluate the corresponding clinical outcomes and, as appropriate, to formulate a valid treatment recommendation.MethodsA systematic search on OVID Medline® based on a pre-existing search strategy returned 1333 publications. Having defined inclusion and exclusion criteria and analysis of the relevant full texts, 167 publications were included in the descriptive analysis and 163 in the meta-analysis. For this purpose, different subgroups were created, based on the type of cyst and the therapeutic procedure. Those subgroups were then analysed in relation to their healing rates, the number of recurrences and complication rates.ResultsFor aneurysmal bone cysts, both surgical removal and Doxycycline injection lead to excellent outcomes (98% healing) and low recurrence rates (6% and 11% resp.). Curettage (91% healing), including its combination with autologous cancellous bone graft (96% healing), showed very good healing rates but higher recurrence rates (22% and 15%, resp.), which were however improved by preoperative selective arterial embolization. A critical view must be taken of radiotherapy (90% healing) and the injection of alcohol (92% healing) because of their high complication rates (0.43/cyst and 0.42/cyst, resp.). In the management of juvenile bone cysts, surgical interventions like curettage and cancellous bone graft (87% healing) are far superior to non-surgical approaches (51% healing), furthermore, the application of autologous cancellous bone graft reduced the recurrence rate (3% recurrence) compared to curettage alone (20% recurrence). In subgroup analysis, treatment by ESIN was found to produce excellent outcomes (100% healing), though the patient collectives were small.ConclusionSurgical procedures to treat aneurysmal bone cysts appear to be the method of choice whereby Doxycycline injection may be an alternative. A surgical approach should be preferred in the treatment of juvenile bone cysts.

Locking plate osteosynthesis of scaphoid nonunion with severe bone defects: a case series

The treatment of scaphoid nonunion can be challenging with increasing defect size. We evaluated the outcome of scaphoid nonunion with a substantial bone defect treated with a multidirectional locking plate combined with cancellous bone grafting only. Thirteen patients with significant osseous defects measuring 6 mm or more suffering from primary nonunion without treatment (n = 6) or recalcitrant nonunion following Herbert screw osteosynthesis (n = 7) were treated and reviewed retrospectively. The stabilization was performed after debridement, autologous cancellous bone grafting and volar locking plate osteosynthesis. After a mean follow-up period of 12 months, 12 of the 13 patients achieved successful unions with a free range of motion and complete remittance of pain in everyday activity. The mean scapholunate angle decreased from 59.7° ± 11 to 43.9° ± 5 (effect strength d:1.7, p < 0.00001), scaphoid humpback deformity angle from 58.9° ± 8 to 45.1° ± 8 (d:1.8, p < 0.0001), whereas strength of the injured hand increased from 36.4 kg ± 10 to 42.4 kg ± 9 (d:1.4, p < 0.0001). One nonunion persisted without fragment dislocation receiving revision after 1 year. Thus, locking plate osteosynthesis with cancellous bone grafting is a valid alternative in scaphoid nonunions with extensive bone defects. Additionally, stable retention of the fragments prevents dislocation even in delayed or persistent nonunion. Further prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using interbody cage packed with autologous clavicle bone Graft: Novel technique

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to assess the fusion power, donor site pain, patient satisfaction and safety of autologous cancellous clavicle bone graft in ACDF. Summary of Background DataTraditional autologous iliac graft was the most popular graft done for ACDF, however seeking for better outcomes for patients and avoiding extensive bony loss with its sequences of postoperative pain had raised our concern to use autologous clavicle cancellous graft as an alternative. MethodsBetween May 2016 and August 2020, 72 patients indicated for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), 33 males and 39 females, ranging in age from 30 years to 70 years, were divided into 2 groups, group A included 36 patients operated upon with traditional way with bone harvested from iliac crest, group B included 36 patients operated upon using cancellous bone harvested from clavicle. History of patients, clinical status and radiological data were registered. We used VAS scores; patient satisfaction and ODI to assess clinical outcomes in both groups with a period of one year follow up. ResultsIn all patients fusion was 0%, 25%, and 100% in 1 month, 3 months and 6 months of radiological follow up respectively. VAS pain score of donor site was zero at 1 month postoperative in all patients of clavicle group while only 27 patients of iliac group reached zero 6 months postoperative. ConclusionACDF with autologous clavicle cancellous bone graft has the advantage of reducing donor-site morbidities and complications; it reaches an excellent level of fusion and patient satisfaction with postoperative donor site pain, healing and cosmetically.

Effectiveness of Calcium Sulfate and Hydroxyapatite Composite in Collapse Prevention in Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head.

IntroductionCalcium-sulfate-hydroxyapatite bioceramics have been widely used as void fillers in bone. However, their effectiveness as void fillers in core decompression for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in preventing femoral head collapse prevention has limited evidence. The current study investigates the effectiveness of calcium-sulfate-hydroxyapatite bioceramics as a void filler in the core decompression procedure for ONFH.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological records of ONFH patients that underwent core-decompression using either autologous iliac crest cancellous bone graft or calcium-sulfate-hydroxyapatite bioceramic paste as void fillers with at least one-year follow-up. The primary outcome of this study was the radiological progression of collapse in the last available standard anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of the hip. The collapse progression was compared between the two groups based on void fillers.ResultsThis study included patient records with 44 hip joints that underwent core decompression. There were five female and 33 male patients. The mean age was 29.1±6.3 years. The mean follow-up duration was 21.4±3.4 months. No significant differences in collapse progression were observed between the two groups based on void fillers.ConclusionThe use of calcium-sulfate-hydroxyapatite as a void filler in core decompress for ONFH is not superior to the autologous cancellous bone in terms of collapse prevention and mechanical support. Further modifications in the core decompression techniques and well-planned prospective studies would help establish sound recommendations.

Autologous Nonvascularized Fibula Graft and Locking Compression Plating for Failed Fixation of Humeral Shaft With Atrophic Gap Nonunion.

IntroductionThe surgical treatment of humeral shaft atrophic, gap nonunion following failed surgical fixation is challenging. We intended to evaluate the surgical outcome of failed fixation of humeral shaft atrophic, gap nonunions using locking compression plate (LCP) and autologous nonvascularized fibular graft (ANVFG) and autologous iliac crest bone graft (AICBG). MethodsThrough our database search between 2015 and 2018, we identified 12 patients with humeral shaft atrophic, gap nonunions with failed surgical fixation underwent open reduction and internal fixation using LCP with autologous fibula graft and iliac crest cancellous bone graft. ResultsWe have followed all twelve patients for a minimum period of 24 months. All patients had radiological and clinical union with a mean time to union of 17 weeks. In one case superficial surgical site infection was noted and successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics, and in another, transient peroneal nerve palsy was identified and resolved in six months. ConclusionLCP with ANVFG and AICBG is a reliable option for “complex” diaphyseal humerus atrophic and gap non unions, especially with significant bone loss. This construct provides mechanical stability and supports biological healing in these complex fractures.

Antibiotic artificial bone implantation and external fixation for the treatment of infection after intramedullary nail fixation: a retrospective study of 33 cases

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical effect of antibiotic artificial bone implantation and external fixation in the treatment of infection after intramedullary nail fixation.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients with infection after intramedullary nail fixation treated from March 2010 to August 2020. There were 27 males and 6 female, aged from 12 to 67 years (average 42.27 years), 18 cases on the left side and 15 cases on the right side. Among them, 20 cases were open fractures with initial injury and 13 cases were closed fractures. All patients were treated with intramedullary nail removal, local debridement, antibiotic artificial bone implantation and external fixation. Because of bone defects, 19 patients underwent secondary autologous cancellous bone grafting after infection control. Postoperative wound healing, related inflammatory indicators, fixation time, and bone healing time were recorded and followed up.ResultsThe 33 patients were followed up with period of 10 ~ 98 months (average 62.7 months). One patients failed to control the infection effectively after treatment, so received antibiotics artificial bone implantation again. Two patients also received antibiotic artificial bone implants again due to the recurrence of the infection. After treatment, infection was controlled and the fracture healed well. One patient received vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) due to persistent postoperative exudation, and five patients were also cured successfully after continuous dressing. Two patients had sinus tract after surgery, and the wound was cured by continuous dressing change. Nineteen patients received autogenous iliac bone grafts for healing due to bone defects ranging from 3 to 6.5 cm (average 4.15 cm) after infection control. The external fixation time of 33 patients ranged from 4 to 16 months (average 7.79 months), the bone healing time ranged from 4 to 13 months (average 6.67 months), and the related inflammatory indexes returned to normal within 2–8 weeks (average 4.48 weeks).ConclusionAntibiotic artificial bone implantation and external fixation is an effective method for the treatment of infection after intramedullary nail fixation.

Press-Fit Humeral Stem Can Induce Stress Shielding Even A Year After Surgery Compared To Small Humeral Stem

The purpose of this study was (1) to compare the stress shielding effect of press-fit stem and small humeral stem with autologous cancellous bone graft and (2) to compare clinical outcomes and complications between the small and large humeral stem.

Résultats du traitement chirurgical des kystes osseux anévrismaux – une analyse rétrospective sur 2 décennies

BackgroundAneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are benign tumors mostly occurring in children and young adults. Different open and minimal invasive surgical approaches have been proposed for the treatment of ABCs and yet no consensus is defined to date. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review data of a large single center series of ABCs with patients treated by open curettage with or without filling of the cavity or en-bloc resection. Questions/purposesWe asked: (1) What was the local recurrence rate of ABC after surgical treatment at our institution? (2) What were positive or negative predictors for local recurrence? (3) Was there a benefit from adjuvant burring, phenolization or filling, respectively? (4) Where there changes in recurrence free survival in different time periods of primary surgery? MethodsBy retrospective data analysis of the Vienna Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Registry, 123 patients surgically treated for primary aneurysmal bone cysts were identified. After exclusion of 33 patients (27%) due to a postoperative follow up below one year, 90 patients who were treated for primary ABCs between 1986 and 2009 were evaluated. These included 50 males and 40 females with a mean age of 16 years (SD 10 years; range: 2 to 51 years). The mean follow-up was 99 months. (SD 72 months, range: 13 to 329 months) ResultsCurettage was performed in 84 patients, while 45 patients received adjuvant phenolization. Local recurrence occurred in 28 patients after a mean time of 16 months, with a corresponding local recurrence free survival (RFS) of 83% after one year, 77% after 2 years and 66% after 5 years. ABCs located in hands and feet (p=0.044) showed a superior RFS, while younger patients (p=0.001) displayed an inferior RFS. Regarding adjuvant surgical techniques, mechanical cavity burring (p=0.004) and filling with autologous cancellous bone graft (p=0.024) showed protective effects on RFS. Patients treated between 1986 and 1999 (n=47) had a higher RFS than patients treated between 2000 and 2009 (n=43, p=0.011), as surgeons and surgical indications changed over time. ConclusionAlthough curettage, burring, phenolization and reconstruction with bone grafts came with a relatively high risk of local recurrence, open surgery is still justified in aggressively growing ABCs of critical localizations. Level of EvidenceIV; therapeutic study.

Percutaneous Curettage and Local Autologous Cancellous Bone Graft: A Simple and Efficient Method of Treatment for Benign Bone Cysts.

Several treatment modalities have been reported to minimize the recurrence after surgical treatment of benign bone cysts. In this study, we evaluated local tumor control, recurrence rate, and bone healing of benign bone cysts after treatment with a simple technique, percutaneous curettage and a local autologous cancellous bone graft. Retrospective analysis of the records of 16 patients diagnosed with benign bone cysts between 2003 and 2010. We documented the demographic data, radiographic signs of healing (progressive decrease in radiolucency, remineralisation, ossification, consolidation of the cyst, and reconstitution of the bone), healing rate, postoperative complications, and recurrence. Seven of the 16 patients (43.75%) were diagnosed with a simple bone cyst (SBC), while nine (56.25%) had an aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC). On average, radiographic signs of healing were present within 3-6 months, but in two patients these signs presented after 16 months. During the follow-up period, there was no difference in the healing rate between patients with SBC and ABC; no signs of deep or superficial wound infection, no postoperative fracture, and no recurrence in any case over an average of 6.3 years of follow-up. Treatment of benign bone cysts (SBC/ABC) with minimally invasive percutaneous curettage and a local autologous cancellous bone graft is a simple and effective modality with a promising outcome in the local control of recurrence and in enhancing bony consolidation.

EFFICACY OF CORE DECOMPRESSION AND AUTOLOGOUS CANCELLOUS BONE GRAFTING IN AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF FEMORAL HEAD

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a disease that usually affects patients in the 20-50 year age group of life. The disease progresses with time and if left untreated, it may leads to complete deterioration of the hip joint. Various treatments modalities are available as non-surgical, core decompression alone or with autologous bone graft or PRP or bone marrow aspirate or vascularised bular graft, osteotomies and hip replacement. We planned to evaluate the efcacy of core decompression and autologous bone grafting in the management of AVN of the hip. MATERIALS AND METHODS- We performed a prospective study with 20 patients of 20-50 years age group having cat-arlet stage 1 [8 patients ] and 2a [12 patients]. The study period was from January 2018 to December 2019. All patients were treated with core decompression and autologous cancellous bone grafting. Pre-operative Harris hip score [HHS], plain radiograph and MRI were compared with postoperative ones at different time intervals. RESULTS- Average Follow Up Period Was 12 Months And Average Age Group Of Presentation Was 31.1 Years . Males Were More Affected And Most Common Causes Were Idiopathic And Steroid Use. Average Preoperative Hhs Was 56.20 And Postoperative Hhs Was 80.15. At The End Of 1 Year, 12 Patients Showed Remission, 6 Patients Showed Preoperative Stage While 2 Patients Progressed To Advanced Stage And Required Arthroplasty. CONCLUSION-core Decompression And Autologous Bone Grafting Is Effective Treatment Modality In Early Avascular Necrosis Of Femur Head In Terms Of Radiological And Clinical Results And Delaying Arthroplasty

Results in the surgical treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts – A retrospective data analysis

BackgroundAneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are benign tumors mostly occurring in children and young adults. Different open and minimal invasive surgical approaches have been proposed for the treatment of ABCs and yet no consensus is defined to date. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review data of a large single center series of ABCs with patients treated by open curettage with or without filling of the cavity or en-bloc resection.Questions/purposes We asked: (1) What was the local recurrence rate of ABC after surgical treatment at our institution? (2) What were positive or negative predictors for local recurrence? (3) Was there a benefit from adjuvant burring, phenolization or filling, respectively? (4) Where there changes in recurrence free survival in different time periods of primary surgery? MethodsBy retrospective data analysis of the Vienna Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Registry, 123 patients surgically treated for primary aneurysmal bone cysts were identified. After exclusion of 33 patients (27%) due to a postoperative follow up below one year, 90 patients who were treated for primary ABCs between 1986 and 2009 were evaluated. These included 50 males and 40 females with a mean age of 16 years (SD 10 years; range: 2 to 51 years). The mean follow-up was 99 months. (SD 72 months, range: 13 to 329 months) ResultsCurettage was performed in 84 patients, while 45 patients received adjuvant phenolization. Local recurrence occurred in 28 patients after a mean time of 16 months, with a corresponding local recurrence free survival (RFS) of 83% after one year, 77% after 2 years and 66% after 5 years. ABCs located in hands and feet (p=0.044) showed a superior RFS, while younger patients (p=0.001) displayed an inferior RFS. Regarding adjuvant surgical techniques, mechanical cavity burring (p=0.004) and filling with autologous cancellous bone graft (p=0.024) showed protective effects on RFS. Patients treated between 1986 and 1999 (n=47) had a higher RFS than patients treated between 2000 and 2009 (n=43, p=0.011), as surgeons and surgical indications changed over time. ConclusionAlthough curettage, burring, phenolization and reconstruction with bone grafts came with a relatively high risk of local recurrence, open surgery is still justified in aggressively growing ABCs of critical localizations. Level of evidenceIV; therapeutic study.

Reconstruction of Massive Segmental Distal Femoral Metaphyseal Bone Defects After Open Injury: A Study of 20 Patients Managed with Intercalary Gamma-Irradiated Structural Allografts and Autologous Cancellous Grafts.

Our aim was to examine the outcome of gamma-irradiated intercalary structural allografts combined with autologous cancellous grafts in treating large metaphyseal bone defects of the distal femur following open injuries. We prospectively included 20 consecutive patients with large metaphyseal bone defects of >4 cm located in the region of the distal femur following open injuries treated between 2010 and 2018, with a mean follow-up of 2 years (range, 2 to 10 years). Of these patients,18 were men and 2 were women. The mean age was 39 years (range, 22 to 72 years). The mean length of the bone defects was 10.1 cm (range, 5.5 to 14.5 cm), and all were in the metaphysis of the distal femur. The surgical technique included initial early debridement and external fixation followed by reconstruction of the bone defect using structural allograft combined with autologous cancellous bone graft harvested from the iliac crest and locking plate fixation. Definitive fixation was performed at an average period of 22.5 days (range, 3 to 84 days) after injury. Osseous union, rate of infection, complications, need for secondary procedures, and functional outcome using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) at the final follow-up were assessed. After excluding 1 patient who was lost to follow-up, 19 patients with complete follow-up were available for analysis. Of those, 13 patients (68%) achieved complete union at both ends of the allograft with host bone without any further intervention. Three patients (16%) developed aseptic nonunion of the proximal end of the allograft requiring 1 additional procedure each to achieve union. Four patients (21%) developed a deep surgical site infection. Of those, 1 elderly patient required above-the-knee amputation following uncontrolled diabetes and infection. A second patient required 2 additional procedures, and a third patient needed 4 additional procedures to achieve union. The fourth patient developed infection after achieving union, and the infection subsided after debridement and implant removal. The mean LEFS score for all 19 patients was 55 (range, 41 to 75). Use of allograft was a reasonable single-stage alternative solution for massive distal femoral bone defects, which united without additional surgery in two-thirds of the patients and without limb-length discrepancy. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Rat model of an autologous cancellous bone graft

Autologous cancellous bone (ACB) grafting is the “gold standard” treatment for delayed bone union. However, small animal models for such grafts are lacking. Here, we developed an ACB graft rat model. Anatomical information regarding the iliac structure was recorded from five rat cadavers (10 ilia). Additionally, 5 and 25 rats were used as controls and ACB graft models, respectively. A defect was created in rat femurs and filled with ACB. Post-graft neo-osteogenic potential was assessed by radiographic evaluation and histological analysis. Iliac bone harvesting yielded the maximum amount of cancellous bone with minimal invasiveness, considering the position of parailiac nerves and vessels. The mean volume of cancellous bone per rat separated from the cortical bone was 73.8 ± 5.5 mm3. Bone union was evident in all ACB graft groups at 8 weeks, and new bone volume significantly increased every 2 weeks (P < 0.001). Histological analysis demonstrated the ability of ACB grafts to act as a scaffold and promote bone union in the defect. In conclusion, we established a stable rat model of ACB grafts by harvesting the iliac bone. This model can aid in investigating ACB grafts and development of novel therapies for bone injury.

The Masquelet Technique: Can Disposable Polypropylene Syringes be an Alternative to Standard PMMA Spacers? A Rat Bone Defect Model.

Usually, the two-stage Masquelet induced-membrane technique for extremity reconstruction begins with a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement spacer-driven membrane, followed by an autologous cancellous bone graft implanted into the membrane cavity to promote healing of large bone defects. In exceptional cases, spacers made of polypropylene disposable syringes were successfully used instead of the usual PMMA spacers because of a PMMA cement shortage caused by a lack of resources. However, this approach lacks clinical evidence and requires experimental validation before being recommended as an alternative to the conventional technique. To (1) develop and (2) validate a critical-sized femoral defect model in rats for two stages of the Masquelet technique and to (3) compare the biological and bone healing properties of polypropylene-induced membranes and PMMA-induced membranes in this model. Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats aged 8 weeks old received a 6-mm femur defect, which was stabilized with an external fixator that was converted into an internal device. In the development phase, the defect was filled with PMMA in 16 rats to determine the most favorable timing for bone grafting. Two rats were excluded since they died of anesthetic complications. The other 14 were successively euthanized after 2 weeks (n = 3), 4 weeks (n = 4), 6 weeks (n = 4), and 8 weeks (n = 3) for induced membrane analyses. In the validation phase, 12 rats underwent both stages of the procedure using a PMMA spacer and were randomly assigned to two groups, whether the induced membrane was preserved or removed before grafting. To address our final objective, we implanted either polypropylene or PMMA spacers into the defect (Masquelet technique Stage 1; n = 11 rats per group) for the period established by the development phase. In each group, 6 of 11 rats were euthanized to compare the biological properties of polypropylene-induced membranes and PMMA-induced membranes using histological qualitative analysis, semiquantitative assessment of the bone morphogenic protein-2 content by immunostaining, and qualitative assessment of the mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC; CD31-, CD45-, CD90+, and CD73+ phenotypes) content by flow cytometry. Quantitative measurements from serum bone turnover markers were also performed. The five remaining rats of each group were used for Masquelet technique Stage 2, in which rat bone allografts were implanted in the induced membrane cavity after the polypropylene or PMMA spacers were removed. These rats recovered for 10 weeks before being euthanized for microCT quantitative measurements and bone histology qualitative assessment to evaluate and compare the extent of bone regeneration between groups. Induced membrane analyses together with serum bone turnover measurements indicated that a 4-week interval time between stages was the most favorable. Removal of the induced membrane before grafting led to almost constant early implant failures with poor bone formation. Four-week-old rats with polypropylene-triggered induced membranes displayed similar histologic organization as rats with PMMA-driven induced membranes, without any difference in the cell density of the extracellular matrix (4933 ± 916 cells per mm2 for polypropylene versus 4923 ± 1284 cells per mm2 for PMMA; p = 0.98). Induced membrane-derived MSCs were found in both groups with no difference (4 of 5 with polypropylene versus 3 of 3 with PMMA; p > 0.99). Induced membrane bone morphogenic protein-2 immunolabeling and serum bone turnover marker levels were comparable between the polypropylene and PMMA groups. MicroCT analysis found that bone regeneration in the polypropylene group seemed comparable with that in the PMMA group (29 ± 26 mm3 for polypropylene versus 24 ± 18 mm3 for PMMA; p > 0.99). Finally, qualitative histological assessment revealed a satisfactory endochondral ossification maturation in both groups. Using a critical-sized femoral defect model in rats, we demonstrated that polypropylene spacers could induce membrane encapsulation with histologic characteristics and bone regenerative capacities that seem like those of PMMA spacers. In a same bone site, polymers with close physical properties seem to lead to similar foreign body reactions and induce encapsulating membranes with comparable bone healing properties. Polypropylene spacers made from disposable syringes could be a valuable alternative to PMMA. These results support the possibility of a cementless Masquelet technique in cases of PMMA shortage caused by a lack of resources.

Vascularized Ulnar Periosteal Pedicled Flap for Upper Extremity Reconstruction in Adults: A Prospective Case Series of 11 Patients

We hypothesized that a vascularized ulnar periosteal pedicled flap (VUPPF) is a versatile graft applicable in adult patients that yields good outcomes and is a reliable alternative to other vascularized bone grafts to reduce both the technical demands and donor site morbidity of other options. We reviewed 11 adult patients who underwent surgical treatment of forearm atrophic nonunion with a VUPPF. Patients' demographics, outcomes (measured by pain on the visual analog scale; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score; range of motion; and grip strength), and associated complications were reported. Of the 11 patients, 5 had previous surgery in an attempt to treat the nonunion with an autologous cancellous bone graft from the iliac crest or olecranon. The average time from nonunion until the VUPPF was 9 months (SD, ±3 months; range, 6-14 months). The mean visual analog scale score improved considerably after surgery (8.7 vs 0.6), and considerable improvement was also noted in the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (50 vs 6). A notable improvement was seen in grip strength after surgery. Pronation/supination also improved considerably between the preoperative assessment and the final postoperative follow-up. A vascularized ulnar periosteal pedicled flap seems to be a useful and versatile option for a variety of bone union failures of the upper extremity in adults, either at initial presentation or as a salvage technique. Therapeutic IV.

Early Versus Late Alveolar Cleft Repair Using Cancellous Iliac Bone Grafts in A developing country

Background: Orofacial clefts are common congenital malformations, with alveolar cleft as the most common [75%] of all anomalies. Many treatment modalities are available. However, our clinical experience with bone graft modality is not well addressed. The aim of the work: To evaluate the effectiveness of early [2 to 12 years; before complete eruption of the cleft canine] versus late [> 12 years; after complete eruption of the cleft canine] cancellous anterior iliac bone grafting for alveolar cleft reconstruction. Patients and Methods: Twenty-three patients with alveolar clefts who were admitted for alveolar cleft reconstruction surgery were included. They were categorized into early and late secondary grafting groups. All patients inquired about their history. Submitted to full clinical examination, laboratory and radiological examinations. The imaging studies include two-dimensional orthopantomogram for all patients, while 3-D fascial computed tomography and cone-beam computed tomography were done for selected patients. Both intraoperative and postoperative data were collected, any complications were registered and patients followed up regularly up to 6 months. Results: Both groups were comparable as regarding patient characteristics except younger age in early group, and there was a statistically significant difference between early and late groups regarding cleft side and cleft permanent canine full eruption. Males represented 69.9%. The cleft was on the left side in 56.4%. Seven patients [30.4%] had maternal risk factor [five in early and two in late group]. Blood loss was less than 80 ml in all patients in both groups. All oronasal fistulas were sealed off successfully in all patients [100%] and all had normal healthy gingival contour with vital teeth adjacent to the cleft. All showed evidence of good bone filling in the alveolar defect after 6 months postoperatively. Only one patient developed hypertrophic scars at each group . Conclusion: Alveolar cleft reconstruction is preferred to perform autologous cancellous bone grafting harvested from the iliac crest bone to repair the cleft with excellent outcome on short-term follow-up .

Osteosynthesis with autologous dual bone graft for nonunion of midshaft clavicle fractures: clinical and radiological outcomes.

This study evaluated the clinical and radiological results of plate osteosynthesis with autologous cortical and cancellous bone graft for nonunion of midshaft clavicle fracture. A retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent surgery for midshaft clavicle nonunion at a Level I trauma center. Visual analog scales (VAS) for pain and Quick-DASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) score were assessed. Bone union rate, change in length of affected clavicle, complications, and reoperation were determined. Risk factors were identified to determine the effect on the healing. Thirty-four patients were included for analysis. All patients achieved solid bone union at mean 16weeks (range 8-36) after surgery. The mean shortening of affected clavicle decreased significantly postoperatively (P < 0.001). There was significant improvement in both pain VAS and Quick-DASH score (P < 0.001). There was no wound complication, infection, or major neurovascular injury. Ten patients (29%) complained of plate irritation and underwent removal of implant without any subsequent adverse event. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that high-energy trauma and previous surgery were the independent risk factors that significantly delayed time to union (P < 0.05). Osteosynthesis with autologous dual bone graft for nonunion of midshaft clavicle produced an excellent union rate with good clinical outcome and minimal complications.