Morbidity at bone graft donor sites

A review of the medical records of 239 patients with 243 autogenous bone grafts was undertaken to document the morbidity at the donor sites. The overall major complication rate was 8.6%. Major complications included infection (2.5%), prolonged wound drainage (0.8%), large hematomas (3.3%), reoperation (3.8%), pain greater than 6 months (2.5%), sensory loss (1.2%), and unsightly scars. Minor complications (20.6%) included superficial infection, minor wound problems, temporary sensory loss, and mild or resolving pain. There was a much higher complication rate (17.9% major) if the incision used for the surgery was also the same incision used to harvest the bone graft.     

Fractures at cancellous bone graft donor sites

Two cases of fracture, which followed removal of bone for grafting are presented. One affected the femur and one the ilium. The implications of this complication are discussed.     

Tendon graft donor sites

Each of 480 extremities from 120 cadavers was dissected. Particular attention was given to potential donors for tendon grafts. Both the palmaris longus and the extensor digiti minimi had an average length of 16 cm and an average width of 3 mm. The extensor indicis tendon averaged 13 cm in length and 3 mm in width. The plantaris and second toe extensors averaged 35 cm in length and 2 to 2.5 mm in width. None of these measurements correlated well with age, sex, or hand or foot size. There was, however, a high correlation between right- and left-side measurements in each specimen, in spite of some degree of anatomic variation for all the tendons studied. The palmaris longus was missing in 25% of the upper extremities, and the plantaris in 19% of the lower extremities dissected.     

Reconstruction of anterior iliac crest bone graft donor sites: presentation of a surgical technique

This study is a prospective evaluation of the reconstruction of anterior iliac crest bone graft donor sites using a technique developed by the authors. We present the technique and the initial results obtained with its use in 15 patients followed up for a period ranging from 6 to 16 months. Reconstruction of the iliac crest is performed using a rib, which is removed by an anterior approach to the spine. The rib is divided into two segments, which are fitted into the defect created in the iliac crest after removal of the bone graft. Clinical evaluation of the patients found a good cosmetic appearance of the reconstruction site, and the rib segments used showed good radiologic integration. Partial resorption of the segments was observed in two patients, with no effects on the cosmetic result. Received: 3 May 1999 Revised: 13 August 1999 Accepted: 18 August 1999     

Mandibular reconstruction: bone graft techniques

Results of treatment in a series of 60 patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction by a variety of methods are reported. Delayed reconstruction was performed, using a titanium mesh tray with cancellous bone fragments and block bone grafts removed from the iliac crest, rib, and mandible in 34 patients, with an overall success rate of 91%. Immediate reconstruction was performed with a wire mesh prosthesis containing particulate bone and composite flaps in 26 patients, with an overall success rate of 46%. Oral contamination of the graft at the time of surgery appeared to be the factor limiting the success of immediate mandibular reconstruction. Block grafts of bone were extremely reliable in reconstituting the continuity of the mandible when inserted through an extraoral approach as a delayed repair. Mandibular reconstruction was successfully accomplished even following high-dose radiotherapy.     

Sling sutures for skin graft donor sites

A technique is described using sling sutures for skin graft donor sites in order to take the maximum amount of skin graft from difficult sites with a powered dermatome or a skin graft knife.     

Bone repair techniques, bone graft, and bone graft substitutes

This paper reviews the techniques and materials (bone graft and bone graft substitutes) that currently are used to treat nonunions and bone defects. The techniques reviewed are intramedullary nailing, plating, distraction osteogenesis, and electric stimulation. Bone graft and bone graft substitutes reviewed are as follows: vascularized bone transfers; autogenous bone graft; autogenous bone marrow; dimineralized bone matrix; growth factors; calcium sulphate; calcium phosphates; and allograft. The goal of management of fractures, nonunions, and segmental bony defects, is the return of function as quickly and completely as possible. Techniques and management strategies constantly are evolving to accomplish this goal. This paper reviews the history, indications, and limitations of bone repair techniques, methods of bone grafting, and materials available as bone graft substitutes.     

Cellophane--a dressing for split-thickness skin graft donor sites

Cellophane paper has been used as a dressing for split-thickness skin graft donor sites in 251 patients between October 1985 and December 1989. Twelve donor sites in 10 patients were observed in detail to assess the usefulness of this material. The results of the study are presented and the merits and disadvantages of this dressing material have been discussed. In the opinion of the authors the cellophane paper dressing was found to be most satisfactory. It is also cheaper than the newly available dressing materials for the skin donor area.     

颈前路减压自体髂骨植骨术供区晚期并发症的临床观察

目的:观察颈前路减压自体髂骨植骨术供区的晚期并发症并分析相关因素.方法:16例颈椎伤病患者行颈前路减压自体髂骨植骨术.髂前上棘后2～3cm处沿髂嵴向后作切口,取全层髂骨.切口置半管引流,加压包扎2～3d,24～48h拔除引流管.术后24h可在颈托保护下坐起或下地活动.结果:全部病例随访6～84个月,平均15.4个月.供区严重并发症3例,占18.8%.结论:颈前路减压自体髂骨植骨术供区并发症将对患者工作生活造成明显影响,不容忽视.临床上应重视取骨手术技巧及颈椎伤病新术式新材料的应用以减少或杜绝供区并发症的发生.     

Alternative autogenous bone graft donor sites in brachymetatarsia reconstruction: a review of the literature with clinical presentations

The authors present a literature review on the surgical treatment of brachymetatarsia. They discuss the identification of donor sites for autogenous bone graft harvesting from the foot. Three case reports of brachymetatarsia, one of iatrogenic, and two of congenital origin are presented.     

Which dressing for split-thickness skin graft donor sites?

There is currently little agreement among surgeons regarding the dressing of choice for split-thickness skin graft donor sites, though many are available. In this article, I review the five major groups of dressings, open, semiopen, occlusive, semiocclusive, and biological. The different dressings in each group are described in terms of physiological basis for use, advantages, disadvantages, and practical application. Conclusions are reached regarding which donor site dressings might come closest to optimal for common clinical situations.     

Autogenous bone marrow graft to non-ossifying fibroma with a pathologic fracture

Non-ossifying fibroma with a pathological fracture of the radius in a 10-year-old girl was successfully treated by curettage and autogenous bone marrow graft. The lesion was completely replaced by normal bone at 1 year after the operation. Autogenous bone-marrow graft was considered to be a useful method for the treatment of non-ossifying fibroma with minimal morbidity of the graft-harvesting site. Received: 18 February 1999