Nonvascularized Bone Grafts Research Articles

Thorough Debridement of the Humeral Head for Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis of the shoulder is a devastating disease, particularly in the young patient. Published data is replete with vascularized and nonvascularized bone grafting procedures for joint preservation of the hip; however, these same techniques have not been applied to the shoulder. When treating osteonecrosis of the shoulder, endoscopically-guided thorough debridement of the necrotic bone may promote good outcomes by ensuring that the bone graft, vascularized or nonvascularized, is stabilized against a viable host bed. In addition, this new technique facilitates access to the subchondral plate from the osseous side, thereby fully debriding the intraosseous fracture and allowing elevation of the articular surface if needed. When collapse is present, stage 3 disease secondary articular-sided changes may be present and should be addressed during concomitant arthroscopy. This article presents a case of endoscopically-guided thorough debridement of the humeral head combined with nonvascularized bone grafting of the residual cavity and stabilization, and concomitant arthroscopy for a 30-year-old woman with steroid-associated osteonecrosis.

Comparison of headless screws used in the treatment of proximal nonunion of scaphoid bone

Screws with different levels of compression force are available for scaphoid fixation and it is known that the Acutrak screw generates greater compression than the Herbert screw. We retrospectively compared two types of headless compression screw for their effectiveness in the repair of scaphoid nonunion. Twenty-nine cases of proximal scaphoid nonunion were surgically treated with non-vascularised bone graft: the Acutrak screw was used in 17 patients and the cannulated Herbert screw in 12 patients. Wrist range of motion, Mayo wrist score, grip strength and QuickDASH scores were indicators used for the functional evaluation. Radiographic findings were assessed for consolidation of nonunion and signs of arthrosis. The mean follow-up time was 49.2 months (range 12-96). Statistically, there was no significant difference between the Acutrak and Herbert screw types in terms of functional evaluation and time required for consolidation. Greater compression did not influence the functional outcome, consolidation rate or time to consolidation. The need for greater compression in the treatment of proximal scaphoid nonunions is thus questionable because it may increase the risk of proximal fragment communition.

Poster Board Number: 45: Experience With Immediate Reconstruction of Segmental Mandibular Defects With Non-Vascularized Bone Grafts

Poster Board Number: 45: Experience With Immediate Reconstruction of Segmental Mandibular Defects With Non-Vascularized Bone Grafts

Poster Board Number: 34: Resection and Immediate Reconstruction of Benign Pathology With Non-Vascularized Bone Graft and the Aid of Stereolithographic Models: A Case Series From UIC OMFS

Statement of the Problem: The treatment of odontogenic tumors is one of the hallmarks of the oral and maxillofacial surgery specialty. Benign odontogenic tumors, such as ameloblastomas or odontogenic myxomas, require resection with one cm margins to minimize the chance for recurrence, a major concern with these tumors. Traditionally, resections that lead to continuity defects, such as those in the mandible, are “bridged” with reconstruction plates and screws to maintain the bony segments in their pre-resection anatomic relationship; moreover, these defects are secondarily reconstructed with bone grafting several months or even years after the resection.

Corticoperiosteal flap in the treatment of nonunions and small bone gaps: Technical details and expanding possibilities

The corticoperiosteal flap from the medial femoral condyle (CP) has proved to be highly reliable in the management of persistent, recurrent nonunion. However, much of the related literature has focussed on the flap aspects of the procedure and not so much on bone work-up. We present a series of 25 patients with nonunions and small bone gaps irresponsive to conventional therapy that were successfully treated with a CP with/without the addition of non-vascularised bone graft from the iliac crest. Different technical options of bone reconstruction are possible and discussed: CP plus non-structural bone chips, CP plus structural bi/tricortical struts or CP plus vascularised cancellous bone from the femoral condyle. A stable internal fixation was performed in all cases. Clinical and radiological evidence of healing was obtained in all the patients. Donor-site complications were few and transient (suture intolerance, seroma and numbness in the saphenous territory). No fracture of the femur, knee instability or stiffness has been observed. The corticoperiosteal flap from the femoral condyle is an excellent source of vascularisation and osteogenic stimulus to the nonunion site and highly effective in the management of persistent nonunions and small bone gaps. When needed, a structural corticocancellous strut from the iliac crest (along with a stable internal fixation) provides the greatest stability and the possibility of a prompt rehabilitation and functional recovery. The corticoperiosteal flap has succeeded in revascularising these highly demanding grafts and in allowing a 100% union rate.

Mandibular reconstruction using nonvascularized autogenous bone grafting

This paper will discuss reconstruction of the mandible with autogenous nonvascularized bone grafting. New developments in this area will be investigated by reviewing the most recent literature on this topic as compared with other techniques currently employed. With the advances of vascularized free flap reconstruction it is important to investigate the indication for nonvascularized techniques. Replacement of a portion of the mandibular bone is a common procedure for patients undergoing ablative cancer surgery or for infection as well as temporomandibular joint replacement secondary to disease or trauma. The subject of mandibular reconstruction has seen great advances in recent years with the advent of vascularized free tissue transfer. Other newer areas of mandibular replacement include tissue engineering and distraction osteogenesis. Traditional nonvascularized autogenous bone graft replacement can still play a vital role in rehabilitating these patients. Although vascularized free flap reconstruction of mandibular defects has become the more common method of treating the postablative cancer surgery patient, there remain indications for nonvascularized reconstruction of mandibular defects as well as other techniques.

Gadolinium-enhanced preoperative MRI scans as a prognostic parameter in scaphoid nonunion

The purpose of this prospective study was to correlate preoperative gadolinium-enhanced MRI scans with intraoperative bleeding of the proximal fragment and postoperative union in a series of consecutive patients with established scaphoid nonunions. In 60 patients (6 females, 54 males) with a mean age of 29 years, scaphoid perfusion was judged preoperatively as normal, impaired or absent using a gadolinium-enhanced MRI scan. Scaphoid reconstruction was performed using a nonvascularized bone graft and screw fixation. Perfusion of the proximal fragment was assessed intraoperatively in 49 of 60 patients; compromised or absent vascularity was predicted with a specificity of 90% by contrast-enhanced MRI. However, there was no significant correlation between preoperative MRI assessment of vascularity and subsequent union of the scaphoid.

Buccinator Myomucosal Flap as Soft Tissue Covering for Vascularized Free Fibular Flap in Anterior Maxillary Bony Defects

A great variety of osseous donor sites have been used for the reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular defects, such as the scapula, fibula, radius, rib, and iliac crest.1-5 Among these, the fibula, with its morphology and dimensions, is still considered an excellent material for the treatment of composite defects of the facial skeleton.6 In fact, the more vascularized bone that is needed, the more the fibula is favored because of its length and possibility for 1-stage reconstruction. Moreover, resorption of vascularized bone flaps is minimal, especially when compared with nonvascularized bone grafts.

Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: Femoral Head Sparing Treatments

Osteonecrosis is a debilitating disease that affects patients with a varying degree of severity. Treatment for severe progression of the disease often includes total hip arthroplasty or resurfacing procedures. In a younger patient population, the preservation of the femoral head is desirable in cases where the integrity of the femoral head can be preserved. The indication for various femoral head preservation techniques differs based on the stage of the disease. Three femoral head preserving techniques will be discussed, including core decompression, percutaneous drilling, and nonvascularized bone grafting.

Reconstruction of Major Traumatic Segmental Bone Defects of the Tibia with Vascularized Bone Transfers

Segmental bone defects of the tibia after high-energy trauma are limb-threatening conditions. Multiple treatment options have been proposed, including nonvascularized bone grafts, vascularized bone transfers, and callus distraction. A series of 41 patients with major segmental defects of the tibia treated with vascularized bone reconstruction is presented. Forty-one acute or nonacute segmental bone defects of the tibia, 4 cm or more in length, were included in the series. In acute defects (nine cases), a single-stage or two-stage reconstruction with vascularized bone transfer was performed. In nonacute segmental infected bone defects (32 cases), single-stage reconstruction with vascularized bone transfer (seven cases) or two-stage reconstruction with vascularized bone transfer (25 cases) was performed. Reconstruction was performed with fibular flaps in 38 cases (36 contralateral free and two ipsilateral pedicled flaps) and iliac flaps in three cases. Bone fixation was performed with screws and external fixation, with early conversion to locking plate internal fixation. Two fibular flaps needed urgent revision for venous congestion. One fibular flap was lost. Infection after vascularized bone transfer occurred in two delayed reconstructions. Bone healing occurred in all cases. Stress fractures occurred in three fibular flaps. Time to bone union was 5 to 9 months, and time to full weight bearing was 9 to 14 months. The use of vascularized bone transfer in the treatment of major segmental tibial defects was successful in the present series. The management of bone fixation and infection in these cases is discussed.

Free deep circumflex iliac artery vascularised bone flap for reconstruction of the distal radius: Planning with CT angiography

Distal radius fractures in the younger population are often comminuted and intra-articular, which can increase the complexity of their management. In addition, these patients tend to place high demands on their wrists, and the prevention of functional arthritis necessitates excellent anatomical reduction. Complicated cases such as these are often limited in their management options. We present a complex case of distal radius fracture and bone loss in which initial therapy with nonvascularized bone graft failed, and osteomyelitis was a further complicating factor. With the aid of preoperative planning with computed tomographic angiography (CTA), a deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) bone flap was able to be assessed as a reconstructive option. The use of preoperative CTA, the first description of such imaging in this role, was able to delineate the bone to be harvested, confirm its vascular supply, and plan flap harvest. The use of a vascularized bone flap in this setting was thus undertaken and was able to provide an autologous anatomical support for the wrist while reducing the risk of recurrent infection and still preserving internal fixation. This unique application of the free DCIA bone flap was potentiated by CTA, achieving complete healing and good functional outcomes.

Gestielte vaskularisierte Knochentransplantate von der Streckseite des peripheren Speichenendes zur Skaphoidrekonstruktion

Bony healing and reconstruction of the scaphoid with use of a reverse-flow pedicle vascularized bone graft from the dorsal aspect of the distal radius. Revitalization of the proximal fragment in case of avascular necrosis. Scaphoid nonunion, especially of the proximal pole. Nonunion after failed attempts of autogenous nonvascularized bone grafting. Avascular necrosis of the scaphoid (Preiser's disease). Avascular osteonecrosis of other carpal bones (i.e., Kienböck's disease stage II and IIIa). However, these will not be addressed in this paper. Advance carpal collapse (SNAC [scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse] wrist stage II and III). Avascular necrosis with broken proximal pole of the scaphoid. Malformation, disease or previous injury of the vascular system. Reconstruction of the scaphoid by interposition of a vascularized bone graft from the dorsum of the distal radius, where several vascularized bone grafts can be harvested, and fixation by a scaphoid screw. Management Immobilization for 6 weeks in a forearm cast including the first phalanx of the thumb. 48 scaphoid nonunions were treated with 1,2-ICSRA-based (intercompartmental supraretinacular artery) vascularized bone grafts: 34 scaphoid nonunions went on to union at an average of 15.6 weeks after surgery.

Mandibular ameloblastoma: clinical experience and literature review

Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive odontogenic tumour of the mandible and maxilla that, if neglected, can cause severe facial disfigurement and functional impairment. A thorough understanding of its clinicopathological behaviour is essential to avoid recurrence associated with inadequately treated disease. Currently, wide resection and immediate reconstruction is the treatment of choice in most cases of mandibular ameloblastoma. We present our experience in the management of this disease and review the current status of the literature. Retrospective review of all patients between 1996 and 2006 with histologically confirmed ameloblastoma. A literature review on the current understanding of this disease and its management is then presented. Six patients were identified, ranging between 23 and 54 years old. All were females. Two tumours involved the angle and posterior body of the mandible, one the angle and ramus, one the body and two the anterior mandibular. Four patients underwent mandibular reconstruction with free tissue transfer and two by non-vascularized bone grafts. All procedures were successful. One patient developed deep vein thrombosis requiring anticoagulation. Another developed a collection at the mandibular surgical site requiring drainage. Satisfactory union was achieved in all cases with no evidence of recurrence. All patients had adequate cosmesis, masticatory efforts and speech. Management of ameloblastoma remains a challenge and requires a thorough understanding of the behaviour of its different clinicopathological variants. We have found segmental mandibulectomy and immediate reconstruction to be an excellent treatment option in our series of patients.

Is revision bone grafting worthwhile after failed surgery for scaphoid nonunion? Minimum 8 year follow-up of 18 patients

Eighteen patients who underwent revision non-vascularized bone grafting and internal fixation after failed surgery for scaphoid nonunion were reviewed after a minimum of 8.2 years. Eleven of the nonunions were located in the middle and seven in the proximal third of the scaphoid. The mean interval between injury and the revision procedure was 6 years. Sixteen of the 18 nonunions healed, two after a third attempt. Three patients with healed nonunions and one patient with persistent nonunion required salvage procedures for progressive radiocarpal arthrosis. In the remaining 14 cases, the mean loss of wrist flexion/extension arc compared to the contralateral wrist was 36 degrees . Mean reduction of grip strength and key pinch was 9.3 kg and 0.9 kg respectively. The QuickDASH score was 18 and a visual analogue pain score was 21/100 at follow-up. Wrist degeneration increased in all but one case during the observation period. Thirteen of 16 patients with union and one patient with a persisting nonunion experienced moderate symptoms.

Treatment of scaphoid nonunion with vascularised and nonvascularised dorsal bone grafting from the distal radius

We conducted a prospective randomised study comparing the clinical, functional and radiographic results of 46 patients treated for scaphoid nonunion using a vascularised bone graft from the dorsal and distal aspect of the radius (group I), relative to 40 patients treated by means of a conventional non-vascularised bone graft from the distal radius (group II). Surgical findings included 30 sclerotic, poorly-vascularised scaphoids in group I versus 20 in group II. Bone fusion was achieved in 89.1% of group I and 72.5% of group II patients (p=0.024). Functional results were good to excellent in 72.0% of the patients in group I and 57.5% in group II. Considering only patients with sclerotic, poorly-vascularised scaphoids, the mean final outcome scores obtained were 7.5 and 6.0 for groups I and group II, respectively. We conclude that vascularised bone grafting yields superior results and is more efficient when there is a sclerotic, poorly-vascularised proximal pole in patients in scaphoid nonunion.

Comparison of Donor Site Engraftment After Harvesting Vascularized (V) and Non-Vascularized (NV) Iliac Bone Grafts

Comparison of Donor Site Engraftment After Harvesting Vascularized (V) and Non-Vascularized (NV) Iliac Bone Grafts

Comparison of Donor-Site Engraftment After Harvesting Vascularized and Nonvascularized Iliac Bone Grafts

The objective of this study is to characterize the donor-site morbidity after harvesting of nonvascularized and vascularized iliac bone grafts. Clinical data of 353 patients were collected for analysis. In addition, a questionnaire was sent to all patients asking about their perceptions of different parameters. In an individual age-matched layout, we compared 34 patients with nonvascularized iliac bone grafts with 34 patients with vascularized iliac bone grafts. Transplantation of vascularized bone grafts has been increasingly performed at our institution. The mean age was 41.5 years in the nonvascularized group and 48.6 years in the vascularized group. The main reason for the bony defect in the vascularized group was malignancy. The majority of postoperative functional problems were observed in obese patients. No patient had serious or long-term complications at the donor site. The amount of bone graft taken affected postoperative sensitivity disturbance and caused postoperative functional problems and pain. We conclude that the iliac crest is a suitable site for harvesting both vascularized and nonvascularized bone grafts measuring up to 10 x 3 cm. For larger defects that require a larger bone graft, a vascularized bone graft is more suitable with a better predictable healing capability. No significant differences in donor-site morbidity were found between the vascularized and nonvascularized bone grafts if a similar amount of bone was taken for transplant.

Treatment of nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head using bone impaction grafting through a femoral neck window

Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (non-ONFH) is a disorder that can lead to femoral head collapse and the need for total hip replacement. Various head-preserving procedures have been used for this disease to avert the need for total hip replacement. These include various vascularised and nonvascularised bone grafting procedures. We examined the effect of bone-grafting through a window at the femoral head-neck junction known as the "light bulb" approach for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with a combination of demineralised bone matrix (DBM) and auto-iliac bone. The study included 110 patients (138 hips; 41 females, 69 males; mean age 32.36 years, range 17-54 years) with stage IIA-IIIA nontraumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head according to the system of the ARCO (Association Research Circulation Osseous). The bone grafting procedure is called "light bulb" procedure in which the diseased bone was replaced by a bone graft substitute (combination of DBM and auto-iliac bone).The outcome was determined by the changes in the Harris hip score, by progression in radiographic stages, and by the need for hip replacement. The mean follow-up was 25.37 months (range 7-42 months). All data were processed by a statistics analysis including Cox risk model analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Pre- and postoperative evaluations showed that the mean Harris hip score increased from 62 to 79. Clinically, 94 of 138 hips (68%) were successful at the latest follow-up, and radiological improvement was noted in 100% of patients in stage IIA, 76.67% of patients in stage IIB and 50.96% of patients in stage IIC and IIIA cases. Excellent and good results according to the Harris score were obtained in 100% of cases in stage IIA, 93.33% in stage IIB and 59.62% in stages IIIA and IIC stage, with a survivorship of 85% in stages IIA and IIB and 60% in stage IIIA and IIC cases. Cox risk model analysis showed that the clinical success rate correlated with both pre-operation stage and the necrotic area of the femoral head. The complications included ectopic ossification, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve lesion and joint infection. This procedure may be effective at avoiding or forestalling the need for total hip replacement in young patients with early to intermediate stages of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Therefore, it may be the treatment of choice particularly in nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head of pre-collapse stage with small and middle area (<30%, or the depth of collapse <2 mm).

Nonvascularized Bone Grafts for Segmental Reconstruction of the Mandible—A Reappraisal

To evaluate the success rate and complications of segmental mandibular reconstructions with autogenous nonvascularized iliac crest bone grafts, and to refine treatment strategies. Seventy-four patients with segmental mandibular defects were included. Malignant lesion, immediate reconstruction, smoking habit, radiotherapy, site of the defect, surgical approach, and method of graft fixation were analyzed as factors of influence on success. Success was defined as maintenance of bone continuity and stability, and absence of infection 1 year after reconstruction upon clinical and radiographic examination. Complications were divided into recipient and donor-site complications and classified as minor or major. The reconstruction was considered functionally complete if prosthetic rehabilitation was accomplished or if there was a sufficient remaining dentition for mastication. In 56 (76%) patients, the initial reconstruction was successful. Multivariate analyses showed that symphyseal involvement (SI) and intraoral approach (IA) were significantly associated with failure (P(SI) = .022, P(IA) = .038) and major recipient-site complications (P(SI) = .022, P(IA) = .038). Thirty-two (43%) patients showed complications in the first postoperative year: 27 recipient-site complications and 6 donor-site complications. Nineteen (70%) recipient-site complications were classified as major. The reconstruction was functionally complete in 48 (86%) of the 56 patients with a successful initial reconstruction. Nonvascularized iliac crest bone grafts for segmental reconstruction of the mandible is the method of choice on the condition that the defect is truly lateral and only an extraoral approach is used. In these cases, microvascular tissue transfer is not necessary.

Reconstruction of severe jaw atrophy by using non-vascularised corticocancellous bone grafts. Clinical report of cases

Background and Objectives: Loss of teeth leads to a pattern of bone resorption that can contribute to severe jaw atrophy and eventually to an unfavourable maxillomandibular relationship. Rehabilitation of jaws with dental implants is limited by insufficient bone volume. In the atrophic edentulous jaws, grafting procedures in combination with endosteal implants are necessary. Autogenous bone is believed to be the most effective bone graft material and is still regarded as the “gold standard” for augmentation procedures because of its osteogenic potential.