Massive Allografts Research Articles

Effect of vascularized periosteum on revitalization of massive bone isografts: An experimental study in a rabbit model.

In the last years, limb salvage has become the gold standard treatment over amputation. Today, 90% of extremity osteogenic sarcomas can be treated with limb salvage surgery. However, these reconstructions are not exempt from complications. Massive allografts have been associated to high risk of nonunion (12-57%), fracture (7-30%) and infection (5-21%). Association of vascularized periosteum flap to a massive bone allograft (MBA) has shown to halve the average time of allograft union in clinical series, even compared to vascularized fibular flap. Creeping substitution process has been reported in massive allograft when periosteum flap was associated. However, we have little data about whether it results into allograft revitalization. We hypothesize that the association of a periosteum flap to a bone isograft promotes isograft revitalization, defined as the colonization of the devitalized bone by new-form vessels and viable osteocytes, turning it vital. Forty-four New Zealand white male rabbits underwent a 10 mm segmental radial bone defect. In 24 rabbits the bone excision included the periosteum (controls); in 20 rabbits (periosteum group) bone excision was performed carefully detaching periosteum in order to preserve it. Cryopreserved bone isograft from another rabbit was trimmed and placed to the defect gap and was fixed with a retrograde intramedullar 0.6 mm Kirschner wire. Rabbits were randomized and distributed in 3 subgroups depending on the follow-up (control group: 5 rabbits in 5-week follow up group, 8 rabbits in 10-week follow-up group, 7 rabbits in 20-week follow-up group; periosteum group: 5 rabbits in 5-week follow up group, 7 rabbits in 10-week follow-up group, 7 rabbits in 20-week follow-up group). Fluoroscopic images of rabbit forelimb were taken after sacrifice to address union. Each specimen was blindly evaluated in optical microscope (magnification, ×4) after hematoxylin and eosin staining to qualitative record: presence of new vessels and osteocytes in bone graft lacunae (yes/no) to address revitalization, presence of callus (yes/no) and woven bone and cartilage tissue area (mm2 ) to address remodeling (osteoclast resorption of old bone and substitution by osteoblastic new bone formation). No isograft revitalization occurred in any group, but it was observed bone graft resorption and substitution by new-formed bone in periosteum group. This phenomenon was accelerated in 5-week periosteum group (control group: 49.5 ± 9.6 mm2 vs. periosteum group: 34.9 ± 10.4 mm2 ; p = .07). Remodeled lamellar bone was observed in both 20-week groups (control group: 6.1 ± 6.3 mm2 vs. periosteum group: 5.8 ± 3.0 mm2 , p = .67). Periosteum group showed complete integration and graft substitution, whereas devitalized osteons were still observed in 20-week controls. All periosteum group samples showed radiographic union through a bone callus, whereas controls showed nonunion in eight specimens (Union rate: control group 60% vs. periosteum group 100%, p = .003). Association of vascularized periosteum to a massive bone isograft has shown to accelerate bone graft substitution into a newly formed bone, thus, no bone graft revitalization occurs.

Double Trabecular Tantalum Cones as an Alternative to Additive Technologies for Revision Knee Arthroplasty (A Case Series)

Relevance. To compensate the extensive (AORI type III) bone defects, metal cones/ sleeves or massive allografts are used. In the absence of metaepiphyses, structural allografts or megaprostheses are usually used for tumor lesions of the bones. The aim of the study was to show the possibility of replacing extensive type III defects of the femur and tibia, covering the metaphysical and diaphyseal zones, with double tantalum cones.Materials and Methods. The study included 13 patients undergone revision knee arthroplasty in 2015–2019. During the surgery, the primary fixation of the femoral or tibial component was achieved by the tight fit diaphyseal cone placement. The additional fixation is сarried out by cementing of the metaphyseal cone to the diaphyseal cone and the further osseointegration with the remaining bone of the metadiaphyseal zone. Fixation of the endoprosthesis component to the cones and to the bone is achived by use of the bone cement.Results. The short-term outcomes of this technique in revision knee arthroplasty were evaluated in all patients. The results were evaluated as good if the primary stable fixation and the correct endoprosthesis components placement were achieved, the limb support ability and the knee function were restored, and there were no complications in the immediate postoperative period. In a year, one patient developed a relapse of infection in the operated knee. The endoprosthesis was removed and followed by knee arthrodesis after sanitation of the infection focus. Functional and radiological results one year after surgery were studied in 4 patients. The average functional scores were: by KSS 81 (good) and by WOMAC — 25 points (also good). On the control radiographs, the position of the components remained correct and stable with osseointegration of the cones in the metaphyseal and diaphyseal areas of the femur and tibia. In the remaining 8 patients, the time after surgery was less than a year. Their follow-up yet continued.Conclusion. Thus, the tantalum cones technique is a reliable way to reconstruct extended metadiaphyseal defects in revision knee arthroplasty in the short-term prospect. The method can be considered as an alternative to megaprostheses, structural allografts, and individually made cones. But the long-term results of its application are still requiri ng further study.

Combined massive allograft and intramedullary vascularized fibula transfer: the Capanna technique for treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia

Background and purpose — Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is caused by local periosteal disease that can lead to bowing, fracturing, and pseudarthrosis. Current most successful treatment methods are segmental bone transport and vascularized and non-vascularized bone grafting. These methods are commonly hampered by discomfort, reoperations, and long-term complications. We report a combination of a vascularized fibula graft and large bone segment allograft, to improve patient comfort with similar outcomes.Patients and methods — 7 limbs that were operated on in 6 patients between November 2007 and July 2018 with resection of the CPT and reconstruction with a vascularized fibula graft in combination with a bone allograft were retrospectively studied. The mean follow-up time was 5.4 years (0.9–9.6). Postoperative endpoints: time to discharge, time to unrestricted weight bearing, complications within 30 days, consolidation, number of fractures, and secondary deformities.Results — The average time to unrestricted weight bearing with removable orthosis was 3.5 months (1.2–7.8). All proximal anastomoses consolidated within 10 months (2–10). 4 of the 7 grafts fractured at the distal anastomosis between 6 and 14 months postoperatively. After reoperation, consolidation of the distal anastomosis was seen after 2.8 months (2–4). 1 patient required a below-knee amputation.Interpretation — This case series showed favorable results of the treatment of CPT through a combination of a vascularized fibula graft and large bone segment allograft, avoiding the higher reintervention rate and discomfort with ring frame bone transport, and the prolonged non-weight bearing with vascularized fibula transfer without reinforcement with a massive large bone segment allograft.

Does Osteoarticular Allograft Reconstruction Achieve Long-term Survivorship after En Bloc Resection of Grade 3 Giant Cell Tumor of Bone?

En bloc resection of benign tumors is only indicated in aggressive lesions with substantial destruction of the affected bone. Few reports have evaluated the long-term outcome of Grade 3 giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB; defined as severe bone destruction and soft tissue extension) treated with en bloc resection and reconstruction with a massive allograft. We recently reported that patients with benign tumors achieved better allograft reconstruction survivorship compared with those treated for a malignant bone tumor. In light of that finding, we wondered whether osteoarticular allografts would be a viable long-term alternative for Grade 3 GCTB, which could be important in some countries because of greater availability and lower costs compared with endoprostheses. We analyzed a group of patients with Grade 3 GCTBs treated with en bloc resection and osteoarticular allograft reconstruction in terms of (1) survivorship free from allograft removal at 10 years; (2) survivorship free from reoperation for any reason at 10 years, (3) functional results as measured by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, (4) assessment of arthrosis at the knee. We retrospectively analyzed all patients with a Grade 3 GCTB treated between 1980 and 2007. Only patients treated with en bloc resection and reconstruction with massive osteoarticular allografts were included in the analysis. The indication for osteoarticular reconstruction during that time included severe bone destruction with intraarticular compromise of the tumor, intraarticular fracture because of tumor growth, the presence of inadequate remaining subchondral bone to resist normal loading (for the distal femur or proximal tibia), and the preservation of a soft-tissue component (ligaments or meniscus) for articular stability. During the period, 75 patients were treated with en bloc resection. Patients treated with intralesional curettage (n = 7), reconstruction with an endoprosthesis (n = 2), intercalary arthrodesis (n = 13), or unicondylar reconstruction (n = 14) were excluded. Of the original 75 treated with en bloc resection, 52% (39) were treated with osteoarticular allograft reconstruction, and no patient was lost to follow-up before 2 years or had substantial missing data. However, of the 39 patients, another 21% (8) have not been seen in the last 5 years, but these were included here because they reached the 10-year minimum surveillance period before being lost. Twenty-three of those 39 patients were previously reported by our group and 16 new patients (treated between 1980-1985) were included in this series (eight distal radius, six distal femur, two proximal tibias), extending the follow-up period and including more patients for analysis. The median (range) follow-up duration was 26 years (10 to 34). We assessed survivorship using a Kaplan-Meier analysis, we drew MSTS scores retrospectively from patients´ medical records, and we graded arthrosis using the Ahlbäck scale for the knee (which was by far the most common joint involved, n = 31, and so it was the joint we assessed for the presence of arthrosis). The survivorship free from allograft removal was 85% at 10 years (95% CI 74 to 96). The allograft survivorship free from reoperation for any reason at 10 years was 72% (95% CI 59 to 87). The median (range) MSTS score was 28 points (19 to 30). The grade of arthrosis in the knee at last follow-up was analyzed in 20 patients and classified in nine as Ahlbäck Type 4, in six as Type 3, in three as Type 2 and in two as Type 5. Osteoarticular allograft reconstruction after a Grade 3 GCTB en bloc resection showed excellent long-term survivorship. We believe these results compare favorably with other studies on endoprosthetic reconstruction and head-to-head studies of these approaches should be performed; these would need to be multicenter trials. In the meantime, in locations where endoprostheses are unavailable or too expensive, we believe our results support the use of osteoarticular allografts. Level IV, therapeutic study.

Reconstruction of Large Osteochondral Defects Using a Hemicondylar Aragonite-Based Implant in a Caprine Model

To investigate the safety and regenerative potential of a hemicondylar aragonite-based scaffold in the reconstruction of large osteochondral lesions occupying an extensive portion of the medial femoral condyle in a goat model. Eight Saanen goats were treated by the implantation of an aragonite-based scaffold (size: 19× 8×8mm) on a previously prepared hemicondylar osteochondral defect located in the right medial femoral condyle of the knee. Goats were euthanized after 12 months and the specimens underwent X-ray imaging, macroscopic, micro-computed tomography, histology, and immunohistochemistry evaluations to assess subchondral bone and cartilage regeneration. In all 8 goats, no adverse event or persistent inflammation was observed. The evaluations performed showed integration of the scaffold, which almost completely resorbed at 12 months. In all animals, no signs of osteoarthritis progression were seen. Concurrent regeneration of the osteochondral unit was observed, with trabecular bone tissue replacing the implant and restoring the subchondral layer, and the formation of an overlying hyaline cartilage surface, well integrated within the surrounding native tissue, also was observed. The use of the hemicondylar biphasic aragonite-based implant in the treatment of osteochondral defects in the goat model proved to be technically feasible and safe. The scaffold degraded and was replaced by regenerated tissue within the 12-month study period, restoring the osteochondral unit both at the level of the cartilaginous layer and the subchondral bone. The present animal study describes a scaffold-based procedure for the treatment of large condylar defects, which often require massive allograft or unicompartmental replacement. The aragonite-based implant promoted a regeneration of both cartilage and subchondral bone, and its use as a "biologic" unicondylar prosthesis might be feasible also in the clinical setting.

Analysis of vascularized fibula graft integration to the extracorporeal irradiated bone after replantation: 2-year follow-up

Background: Major bone segmental defects in oncologic patients continue as a therapeutic challenge to orthopedic surgeons. The few alternatives for its management and the relationship between functional outcome and surgical complications remain among the main restrictions for the indication of different techniques. One of these alternatives is the vascularized fibular graft in association with the creation of a bone channel made from resection of the tumor bone segment after being submitted to the extracorporeal irradiation technique. There is little subject information about long-term follow-up either prospective than retrospective studies. Aim of the study: Retrospective evaluation of vascularized fibular graft union capacity from diaphysis and metaphysis and its integration to the irradiated bone after transplantation. Methods: Eleven patients submitted to extracorporeal irradiation technique and replantation with vascularized fibular graft had their radiographic images on 6, 12 and 24 months of postoperative period evaluated. Results: We observed 45,4% in diaphysis integration in the first year and 72,7% in the second year of follow-up, progressive in the diaphysis focus, and maintenance of the metaphysis focus (33,3%). Conclusion: The fibula has a good capacity for bone integration, showing less influence on the union of the metaphysis portion.Descriptors: Bone Transplantation; Osteosarcoma; Microsurgery; Surgical Oncology.ReferencesMyers GJ, Abudu AT, Carter SR, Tillman RM, Grimer RJ. The long-term results of endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal tibia for bone tumours. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2007;89(12):1632-37.Muscolo DL, Ayerza MA, Aponte-Tinao L, Farfalli G. Allograft reconstruction after sarcoma resection in children younger than 10 years old. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2008;466(8):1856-62.Puri A, Gulia A, Jambhekar N, Laskar S. The outcome of the treatment of diaphyseal primary bone sarcoma by resection, irradiation and re-implantation of the host bone: extracorporeal irradiation as an option for reconstruction in diaphyseal bone sarcomas. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2012;94(7):982-88.Hong AM, Millington S, Ahern V, McCowage G, Boyle R, Tatersall M et al. Limb preservation surgery with extracorporeal irradiation in the management of malignant bone tumor: the oncological outcomes of 101 patients. Ann Oncol. 2013;24(10):2676-80.Manfrini M, Vanel D, De Paolis M, Malaguti C, Innocenti M, Ceruso M et al. Imaging of vascularized fibula autograft placed inside a massive allograft in reconstruction of lower limb bone tumors. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2004;182(4):963-70.Spira E, Lubin E. Extracorporeal irradiation of bone tumor. A preliminary report. Isr J Med Sci. 1968;4(5):1015-19.Krieg AH, Davidson, AW, Stalley PD. Intercalary femoral reconstruction with extracorporeal irradiated autogenous bone graft in limb-salvage surgery. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2007;89(3):366-71.Ceruso M, Falcone C, Innocenti M, Delcroix L, Capanna R, Manfrini M. Skeletal reconstruction with a free vascularized fibula graft associated to bone allograft after resection of malignant bone tumor of limbs. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 2001;33(4):277-82.Ortiz-Cruz E, Gebhardt MC, Jennings LC, Springfield DS, Mankin HJ. The results of transplantation of intercalary allografts after resection of tumors. A long-term follow-up study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1997;79(1):97-106.Farfalli GL, Aponte-Tinao L, Lopez-Millán L, Averza MA, Muscolo DL. Clinical and functional outcomes of tibial intercalary allografts after tumor resection. Orthopedics. 2012;35(3):e391-96.Aponte-Tinao L, Farfalli GL, Ritacco LE, Averza MA, Muscolo DL. Intercalary femur allografts are an acceptable alternative after tumor resection. Cln Orthop Relat Res. 2012;470(3):728-34.

Combined Massive Allograft and Intramedullary Vascularized Fibula as the Primary Reconstruction Method for Segmental Bone Loss in the Lower Extremity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Reconstruction of segmental bone loss due to malignancy, infection, or trauma is a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. The combination of a vascularized fibular flap with a cortical allograft provides a reliable reconstructive option in the lower extremity. In this systematic review, we describe the outcome of this technique for the treatment of segmental bone loss. A systematic review was performed on the use of a combined massive allograft and intramedullary vascularized fibula as a reconstruction method for large bone defects. We used PubMed, Embase, and the Wiley Cochrane Library. Seventeen clinical articles were included between 1997 and 2017, reporting 329 cases of lower-extremity reconstructions. A meta-analysis was performed on primary union rates. The main outcome measures were primary union rate, complication rate, reintervention rate, and function after reconstruction. All publications showed relatively high complication (5.9% to 85.7%) and reintervention rates (10% to 91.7%) with good primary union rates (66.7% to 100%) and functional outcome (range of mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society [MSTS] scores, 24 to 29 points). The combination of a massive allograft with intramedullary vascularized fibula provides a single-step reconstruction method for large bone defects (>6 cm) in the lower extremity, with good long-term outcomes. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

CORR Insights®: Do Massive Allograft Reconstructions for Tumors of the Femur and Tibia Survive 10 or More Years After Implantation?

CORR Insights®: Do Massive Allograft Reconstructions for Tumors of the Femur and Tibia Survive 10 or More Years After Implantation?

WITHDRAWN: Allograft for the treatment of massive bone loss in open and infected IIIA fracture of the distal femur: a case report

Abstract Infection and bone loss after local debridement in high grade open fractures are two difficult issues. The treatment of bone infection needs a wide “oncological” debridement that leaves a segmental bone defect. Once the infection is deleted, the defect may be treated with different surgical techniques: bone graft, bone transport, Masquelet’s two stage reconstructions, allograft or vascularised fibular transplant. In literature these options are described only for bone loss less than 15 cm. We describe a case of a lady with an open IIIA fracture of the right distal femur with 25 cm of infected bone loss, treated with wide multistaged debridement, Masquelet technique and ORIF with massive allograft and autologous bone graft. This case gives the possibility to discuss the following principles: wide debridement, biological chamber, two stage reconstruction, internal stable fixation in infected bone.

Surgical treatment of primary malignant tumours of the distal tibia: clinical outcome and reconstructive strategies.

We retrospectively report our experience of managing 30 patients with a primary malignant tumour of the distal tibia; 25 were treated by limb salvage surgery and five by amputation. We compared the clinical outcomes of following the use of different methods of reconstruction. There were 19 male and 11 female patients. The mean age of the patients was 19 years (6 to 59) and the mean follow-up was 5.1 years (1.25 to 12.58). Massive allograft was used in 11 patients, and autograft was used in 14 patients. The time to union, the survival time of the reconstruction, complication rate, and functional outcomes following the different surgical techniques were compared. The overall patient survival was also recorded. Out of 14 patients treated with an autograft, 12 (86%) achieved union at both the proximal and distal junctions. The time to union at both junctions of the autograft was significantly shorter than in those treated with an allograft (11.1 vs 17.2 months, p = 0.02; 9.5 vs 16.2 months, p = 0.04). The complication rate of allograft reconstruction was 55%. The five patients treated with an amputation did not have a complication. Out of the 25 patients who were treated with limb salvage, three (12%) developed local recurrence and underwent amputation. The mean functional Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score after autograft reconstruction was higher than after allograft reconstruction (81% vs 67%; p = 0.06), and similar to that after amputation (81% vs 82%; p = 0.82). The two- and five-year overall rates of survival were 83% and 70%, respectively. This consecutive case series supports the safety of limb salvage and the effectiveness of biological reconstruction after the resection of a primary tumour of the distal tibia. Autograft might be a preferable option. In some circumstances, below-knee amputation remains a valid option.

Cells, soluble factors and matrix harmonically play the concert of allograft integration.

Implantation of allograft tissues has massively grown over the last years, especially in the fields related to sports medicine. Beside the fact that often no autograft option exists, autograft related disadvantages as donor-site morbidity and prolonged operative time are drastically reduced with allograft tissues. Despite the well documented clinical success for bone allograft procedures, advances in tissue engineering raised the interest in meniscus, osteochondral and ligament/tendon allografts. Notably, their overall success rates are constantly higher than 80%, making them a valuable treatment option in orthopaedics, especially in knee surgery. Complications reported for allografting procedures are a small risk of disease transmission, immunologic rejection, and decreased biologic incorporation together with nonunion at the graft-host juncture and, rarely, massive allograft resorption. Although allografting is a successful procedure, improved techniques and biological knowledge to limit these pitfalls and maximize graft incorporation are needed. A basic understanding of the biologic processes that affect the donor-host interactions and eventual incorporation and remodelling of various allograft tissues is a fundamental prerequisite for their successful clinical use. Further, the importance of the interaction of immunologic factors with the biologic processes involved in allograft incorporation has yet to be fully dissected. Finally, new tissue engineering techniques and use of adjunctive growth factors, cell based and focused gene therapies may improve the quality and uniformity of clinical outcomes. The aim of this review is to shed light on the biology of meniscus, osteochondral and ligament/tendon allograft incorporation and how collection and storage techniques may affect graft stability and embodiment.Level of evidence V.

A Modification of an Established Method of Intercalary Extremity Bone Defect Reconstruction: The "Hemi-Capanna" Technique.

Skeletal reconstruction of segmental defects of the appendicular skeleton is among the most challenging tasks in reconstructive surgery. A popular method of reconstruction of large osseous defects is the combination of massive allografts and vascularized bone transfer. We present and discuss our experience with a modification of the traditional Capanna technique in which the allograft is split in half longitudinally to provide for more space for postoperative fibula hypertrophy. Patients who underwent reconstruction of segmental intercalary defects of the tibia using our modified technique were retrospectively identified. The following parameters were retrieved: patient age, race, sex, length of skeletal defect, recipient vessels, type of microsurgical anastomosis, union rate, complication rate, ambulation (yes/no), and follow-up (in months). Two male patients underwent reconstruction of the tibia via the modified "hemi-Capanna" technique. The tibia defect measured 12 and 13 cm, respectively. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. Osseous union was obtained in both patients who are both ambulatory. The hemi-Capanna technique not only leaves more room for hypertrophy of the vascularized fibula, but also simplifies the technique of combining an allograft with vascularized bone transfer in reconstructions of segmental skeletal defects of the appendicular skeleton.

A case of bilateral revision total knee arthroplasty using distal femoral allograft\u2013prosthesis composite and femoral head allografting at the tibial site with a varus-valgus constrained prosthesis: ten-year follow up

BackgroundWe report the successful use of allograft–prosthesis composite (APC) and structural femoral head allografting in the bilateral reconstruction of large femoral and tibial uncontained defects during revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA).Case presentationA 67-year-old female with degenerative arthritis underwent bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using the Press Fit Condylar (PFC) modular knee system at our clinic in March, 1996. At 8 years postoperatively, the patient presented with painful, bilateral varus knees, with swelling, limited passive range of motion (ROM), and severe instability. We treated to reconstruct both knee using a femoral head allograft at the tibial site, a structural distal femoral allograft at the femoral site, and a varus-valgus constrained (VVC) prosthesis with cement. At the 10-year follow up, we found no infection, graft failure, loosening of implants, in spite of using massive bilateral structural femoral head allografts in RTKA.ConclusionThe use of APC enabled a stable and durable reconstruction in this uncommon presentation with large femoral bone deficiencies encountered during a RTKA.

Intercalary reconstruction of femur after tumour resection: is a vascularized fibular autograft plus allograft a long-lasting solution?

After intercalary resection of a bone tumour from the femur, reconstruction with a vascularized fibular graft (VFG) and massive allograft is considered a reliable method of treatment. However, little is known about the long-term outcome of this procedure. The aims of this study were to determine whether the morbidity of this procedure was comparable to that of other reconstructive techniques, if it was possible to achieve a satisfactory functional result, and whether biological reconstruction with a VFG and massive allograft could achieve a durable, long-lasting reconstruction. A total of 23 patients with a mean age of 16 years (five to 40) who had undergone resection of an intercalary bone tumour of the femur and reconstruction with a VFG and allograft were reviewed clinically and radiologically. The mean follow-up was 141 months (24 to 313). The mean length of the fibular graft was 18 cm (12 to 29). Full weight-bearing without a brace was allowed after a mean of 13 months (seven to 26). At final follow-up, the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score of 22 evaluable patients was 94% (73 to 100). Eight major complications, five fractures (21.7%), and three nonunions (13%) were seen in seven patients (30.4%). Revision-free survival was 72.3% at five, ten, and 15 years, with fracture and nonunion needing surgery as failure endpoints. Overall survival, with removal of allograft or amputation as failure endpoints, was 94.4% at five, ten, and 15 years. There were no complications needing surgical revision after five years had elapsed from surgery, suggesting that the mechanical strength of the implant improves with time, thereby decreasing the risk of complications. In young patients with an intercalary bone tumour of the femur, combining a VFG and massive allograft may result in a reconstruction that lasts a lifetime. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:378-86.

High dose teriparatide (rPTH1-34) therapy increases callus volume and enhances radiographic healing at 8-weeks in a massive canine femoral allograft model.

Small animal studies have demonstrated significant high-dose recombinant parathyroid hormone1-34 (rPTH1-34) effects on intercalary allograft healing. Towards a human adjuvant therapy to decrease non-unions, we evaluated rPTH1-34 safety and efficacy in a clinically relevant canine femoral allograft model. Adult female mongrel hounds (n = 20) received a 5cm mid-diaphyseal osteotomy reconstructed with a plated allograft, and were randomized to: 1) Placebo (n = 5; daily saline), 2) Continuous rPTH1-34 (n = 7; 5 μg/kg/day s.c. from day 1–55 post-op), or 3) Delayed rPTH1-34 (n = 8; 5 μg/kg/day s.c. from day 14–28 post-op). Safety was assessed by physical behavior and blood calcium monitoring. Cone beam CT (CB-CT) was performed on days 14, 28 and 56 post-op to assess 2D cortical healing, 3D bone volume, and Union Ratio. Biomechanical testing and dynamic histomorphometry were also performed. The high drug dose was poorly tolerated, as most dogs receiving rPTH1-34 had to be given intravenous saline, and one dog died from hypercalcemia. Continuous rPTH1-34 significantly increased 2D healing and callus volumes at 4-weeks versus Placebo, and sustained the significant increase in cortical union at 8-week (p<0.05). These rPTH1-34 effects were confirmed by histomorphometry, revealing significant increases in mineral apposition rates (MAR) on host bone and graft-host junctions (p<0.05). Delayed rPTH1-34 significantly increased callus volume and MAR at 8 weeks (p<0.05). Although no biomechanical differences were observed, as expected for early healing, the results demonstrated that 2D RUST scoring significantly correlated with torsional biomechanics (p<0.01). In conclusion, 8-weeks of intermittent high-dose rPTH1-34 treatment significantly increases callus formation and accelerates bony union of intercalary massive allografts in a clinically relevant canine model, but with serious side-effects from hypercalcemia.

Automatic allograft bone selection through band registration and its application to distal femur.

Clinical reports suggest that large bone defects could be effectively restored by allograft bone transplantation, where allograft bone selection acts an important role. Besides, there is a huge demand for developing the automatic allograft bone selection methods, as the automatic methods could greatly improve the management efficiency of the large bone banks. Although several automatic methods have been presented to select the most suitable allograft bone from the massive allograft bone bank, these methods still suffer from inaccuracy. In this paper, we propose an effective allograft bone selection method without using the contralateral bones. Firstly, the allograft bone is globally aligned to the recipient bone by surface registration. Then, the global alignment is further refined through band registration. The band, defined as the recipient points within the lifted and lowered cutting planes, could involve more local structure of the defected segment. Therefore, our method could achieve robust alignment and high registration accuracy of the allograft and recipient. Moreover, the existing contour method and surface method could be unified into one framework under our method by adjusting the lift and lower distances of the cutting planes. Finally, our method has been validated on the database of distal femurs. The experimental results indicate that our method outperforms the surface method and contour method.

Acetabular Reconstruction with Massive Allograft Shaped to the Cavity and Kerboull-Type Acetabular Reinforcement Device for Multiple Failures of Impaction Bone Graft: A Case Report

Acetabular component revision in the presence of severe bone loss is difficult for reconstructing an acetabular component in the anatomical hip center. Various treatment options are available, although often the acetabular defect cannot be corrected with a single option alone. Precise assessment of the bone loss and a suitable combination of methods are needed. Here we report a case of multiple failures with impaction bone grafting reconstruction for an acetabular bone defect of American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons classification type III. We finally reconstructed the acetabulum with three femoral head allografts and a Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device. The allograft was a casted, jet-type helmet-like shape. A year later the patient was able to walk without a cane and perform light agricultural work. Accurate evaluation of the acetabular bone loss and appropriate reconstruction is important.

BONE ALLOGRAFTING IN REVISION KNEE ARTHROPLASTY: HISTOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF STRUCTURAL ALLOGRAFTS 54 MONTHS FOLLOW UP

Compensation of large bone defects by AORI third type classification is the most difficult problem the audit knee arthroplasty. In this situation, the surgeon have to choose between three possibilities: to use metal cones/sleeves, and, in cases with severely damaged metaepiphysis, to use structural allografts or oncological megaimplants. No doubt, it is interesting to follow the processes that are taking place with massive structural allografts implanted into the human body long time ago. This article presents the case study of the rheumatoid arthritis patient’s treatment with a severe lesion of the knee joint, subjected to repeated revision surgeries, last two of which are made with the use of massive structural allograft of femur. Morphological study of a massive distal femur allograft in 54 months after surgery showed that superficial ingrowth of connective tissue and blood vessels happens on the allograft’s border with its partial restructuring of the bone tissue at the border with the recipient bone. However, the most of allograft remains unchanged even after 54 months after surgery.

The effects of low-dose radiotherapy on fresh osteochondral allografts: An experimental study in rabbits

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low-dose fractionated radiotherapy on cartilage degeneration after distal femoral fresh massive osteochondral allograft transplantation. MethodsTwenty-four New Zealand White rabbits were divided into three groups of 8 rabbits each. All rabbits underwent distal femoral medial condyle fresh massive osteochondral allograft transplantation from California rabbits. The group 1 underwent transplantation without any preliminary process. The group 2 underwent fractionated local radiotherapy of 100 cGy for five days starting on the transplantation day. The group 3 included the rabbits to which the grafts transplanted after radiating in vitro by a single dose radiation of 1500 cGy. The hosts were sacrificed twelve weeks later. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were taken. Synovial tissue, cartilaginous tissue, and subchondral bone were assessed histopathologically. ResultsNonunion was present in three cases of group 2 and one of group 3 in which cartilage degeneration was more severe. Synovial hypertrophy and pannus formation were more obvious in non-radiated rabbits. Hypocellularity and necrosis of the subchondral bone were rare in group 2. More cartilage tissue impairment was present in group 3 compared to group 1. ConclusionIn osteochondral massive allograft transplantations, the immune reaction of the host could be precluded with radiotherapy, and the side-effects can be prevented by low-dose fractionated regimen. The total dose of fractionated radiotherapy for an immune suppression should be adjusted not to damage the cartilage tissue, but to avoid articular degeneration in the long term.

Reconstructing Pelvic Discontinuity and Severe Acetabular Bone Loss in Revision Hip Arthroplasty with a Massive Allograft and Cage.

The use of a massive allograft along with an antiprotrusio cage for the treatment of large periprosthetic acetabular defects can restore structural integrity to the pelvis and provide durable revision-free survival. Perform an extensile approach to the acetabulum. Ensure that the appropriate tools are available for removal of the existing acetabular component. It is important to remove fibrous tissue around the acetabulum to get to healthy bleeding bone. It is important to remove all of the native cartilage from the graft to allow for osseous ingrowth potential. Ensure that the graft properly fits within the acetabular defect. It is important to stabilize the bulk allograft to the pelvis before reaming. Impact the cage implant into position and secure it to the pelvis with as many screws as necessary to obtain a secure implant. Cement the polyethylene cup in the proper orientation and reduce the hip. We reviewed 72 cage constructs in 68 patients at a mean follow-up of 5.1 years (range, 1.2 to 10.7 years)3.