Single stage lengthening by intercalary bone graft in patients with congenital hand deformities

The experience with single-stage lengthening by intercalary bone graft in four patients with congenital hand deformities is presented. In all seven lengthenings the gap was bridged by a toe phalanx bone graft. The elongation of the ray ranged from 5-14 mm. Examination of patients followed from one to five years after the treatment showed a good appearance of the lengthened ray. One bone graft assimilation resulted in a pseudoarthrosis and another had osteopenia that resolved spontaneously. All others healed uneventfully. The quality of the skin sensitivity, vascular status and tendon balance is preserved after the lengthening.     

Tricalcium phosphate as a bone graft substitute

A clinical trial is reported that was conducted in an attempt to establish a timeframe for replacement of tricalcium phosphate by bone. In 20 cases, an 8.5mm by 3mm disc of tricalcium phosphate was implanted into the cut surface of the tibia at the time of total knee replacement. When followed radiographically, the disc of tricalcium phosphate generally could not be identified at six months. At two years, no untoward effects have occurred and no vestigial shadows remain, indicating that the block has fully incorporated and largely been absorbed and replaced by host bone. The experience in this series of cases indicates that tricalcium phosphate is a useful resorbable bone filler material.     

The use of allograft bone in lumbar spine surgery

Bone grafting is an integral part of many lumbar spinal surgeries. The two choices of bone are autograft and allograft. Each source has its own advantages and disadvantages. The current study is a literature review of allograft bone use in lumbar spine surgery. Allograft bone can be procured in greater quantities than autograft. With standard protocols of harvesting, the risk of disease transfer is negligible. Only fresh-frozen and freeze-dried products are used. Allografts are incorporated slower and to a lesser degree than autografts. Fresh-frozen grafts are stronger, more immunogenic and more completely incorporated than freeze-dried grafts. Allografts used alone or combined with autografts for posterior lumbar spinal procedures have decreased fusion rates compared with autografts. If used anteriorly, allografts are well suited for reconstructive procedures and have good fusion rates, especially if combined with posterior fusions. If used in the proper situations, allograft bone can be used successfully in lumbar spine surgeries.     

The efficacy of a nanosynthetic bone graft substitute as a bone graft extender in rabbit posterolateral fusion

BACKGROUND CONTEXTSynthetic bone graft substitutes are commonly used in spinal fusion surgery. Preclinical data in a model of spinal fusion to support their efficacy is an important component in clinical adoption to understand how these materials provide a biological and mechanical role in spinal fusion.PURPOSETo evaluate the in vivo response of a nanosynthetic silicated calcium phosphate putty (OstP) combined with autograft compared to autograft alone or a collagen-biphasic calcium phosphate putty (MasP) combined with autograft in a rabbit spinal fusion model.STUDY DESIGNEfficacy of a nanosynthetic silicated calcium phosphate putty as an extender to autograft was studied in an experimental animal model of posterolateral spinal fusion at 6, 9, 12 and 26 weeks, compared to a predicate device.METHODSSkeletally mature female New Zealand White rabbits (70) underwent single level bilateral posterolateral intertransverse process lumbar fusion, using either autograft alone (AG), a nanosynthetic silicated calcium phosphate putty (OstP) combined with autograft (1:1), or a collagen-biphasic calcium phosphate putty (MasP) combined with autograft (1:1). Iliac crest autograft was harvested for each group, and a total of 2 cc of graft material was implanted in the posterolateral gutters per side. Fusion success was assessed at all time points by manual palpation, radiographic assessment, micro-CT and at 12 weeks only using non-destructive range of motion testing. Tissue response, bone formation and graft resorption were assessed by decalcified paraffin histology and by histomorphometry of PMMA embedded sections.RESULTSAssessment of fusion by manual palpation at the 12 week endpoint showed 7 out of 8 (87.5%) bilateral fusions in the OstP extender group, 4 out of 8 (50%) fusions in the MasP extender group, and 6 out of 8 (75%) fusions in the autograft alone group. Similar trends were observed with fusion scores of radiographic and micro-CT data. Histology showed a normal healing response in all groups, and increased bone formation in the OstP extender group at all timepoints compared to the MasP extender group. New bone formed directly on the OstP granule surface within the fusion mass while this was not a feature of the Collagen-Biphasic CaP material. After 26 weeks the OstP extender group exhibited 100% fusions (5 out of 5) by all measures, whereas the MasP extender group resulted in bilateral fusions in 3 out of 5 (60%), assessed by manual palpation, and fusion of only 20 and 0% by radiograph and micro-CT scoring, respectively. Histology at 26 weeks showed consistent bridging of bone between the transverse processes in the Ost P extender group, but this was not observed in the MasP extender group.CONCLUSIONSThe nanosynthetic bone graft substituted studied here, used as an extender to autograft, showed a progression to fusion between 6 and 12 weeks that was similar to that observed with autograft alone, and showed excellent fusion outcomes, bone formation and graft resorption at 26 weeks.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThis preclinical study showed that the novel nanosynthetic silicated CaP putty, when combined with autograft, achieved equivalent fusion outcomes to autograft. The development of synthetic bone grafts that demonstrate efficacy in such models can eliminate the need for excessive autograft harvest and results from this preclinical study supports their effective use in spinal fusion surgery.     

The use of beta-tricalcium phosphate and bone marrow aspirate as a bone graft substitute in posterior lumbar interbody fusion

Purpose

Due to the disadvantages of iliac crest bone and the poor bone quality of autograft gained from decompression surgery, alternative filling materials for posterior lumbar interbody fusion cages have been developed. β-Tricalcium phosphate is widely used in cages. However, data regarding the fusion rate of β-TCP assessed by computer tomography are currently not available.

Materials

A prospective clinical trial involving 34 patients (56.7 years) was performed: 26 patients were treated with single-level, five patients double-level and three patients triple-level PLIF filled with β-TCP and bone marrow aspirate perfusion, and additional posterior pedicle screw fixation. Fusion was assessed by CT and X-rays 1 year after surgery using a validated fusion scale published previously. Functional status was evaluated with the visual analogue scale and the Oswestry Disability Index before and 1 year after surgery.

Results

Forty-five levels in 34 patients were evaluated by CT and X-ray with a follow-up period of at least 1 year. Clinically, the average ODI and VAS for leg and back scores improved significantly (P < 0.001). CT assessment revealed solid fusion in 12 levels (26.67 %) and indeterminate fusion in 15 levels (34.09 %). Inadequate fusion (non-union) was detected in 17 levels (38.63 %).

Conclusion

The technique of PLIF using β-TCP yielded a good clinical outcome 1 year after surgery, however, a high rate of pseudoarthrosis was found in this series therefore, we do not recommend β-TCP as a bone graft substitute using the PLIF technique.     

The use of a surgical grade calcium sulfate as a bone graft substitute: results of a multicenter trial

In a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study, 109 patients with bone defects were treated with a surgical grade calcium sulfate preparation as a bone graft substitute. The calcium sulfate pellets were used in place of morselized cancellous bone graft for the treatment of patients with bone defects who usually would require grafting secondary to trauma, periprosthetic bone loss, tumor, or fusion. The calcium sulfate was used alone or mixed with other materials such as bone marrow aspirate, demineralized bone matrix, or autograft. The defects that were treated were contained and were not necessary for the stability of the bony structure. Radiographic and clinical data were collected at predetermined intervals for 12 months. At 6 months postoperatively, radiographic results for all patients showed that 99% of the calcium sulfate had been resorbed and 88% of the defect was filled with trabeculated bone. There were 13 complications; however, only four (3.6%) were attributable to the product. The results of a subgroup of 46 patients with benign bone lesions treated in the same manner are identical to the results of the overall study population. Surgical grade calcium sulfate pellets are considered a convenient, safe, and readily available bone graft substitute that yield consistent successful results.     

Hydroxyapatite crystals as a bone graft substitute in benign lytic lesions of bone

Background:

Bone grafts are required to fill a cavity created after curettage of benign lytic lesions of the bone. To avoid the problems associated at donor site with autologous bone graft, we require allograft or bone graft substitutes. We evaluated the healing of lytic lesions after hydroxyapatite (HA) grafting by serial radiographs.

Materials and Methods:

Forty cases of benign lytic lesions of bone were managed by simple curettage and grafting using HA blocks. Commercially available HA of bovine origin (Surgiwear Ltd., Shahjahanpur, India) was used for this purpose. Mean duration of followup was 34.8 months (range 12–84 months). Mean patient age was 19.05 years (range 3–55 years). Radiological staging of graft incorporation was done as per criteria of Irwin et al. 2001.

Results:

In our series, two cases were in stage I. A total of 11 cases were in stage II and 27 were in stage III. Graft incorporation was radiologically complete by 15 months. Clinical recovery was observed before radiological healing. The average time taken to return to preoperative function was 3 months. Recurrence was observed in giant cell tumor (n = 3) and chondromyxoid fibroma (n = 1). There was no incidence of graft rejection, collapse, growth plate disturbances or antigenic response.

Conclusions:

We conclude that calcium HA is biologically acceptable bone graft substitute in the management of benign lytic lesions of bone.     

Endobon® as a bone substitute in spine surgery. Preliminary study in 11 patients

Summary The authors have inserted 11 grafts of Endobon®, 10 in the form of cylinders placed in the posterolateral groove in lumbar arthrodeses-osteosyntheses and one in a cervical interbody fusion. They report the method used and the clinical and radiologic results. In every case osteointegration was excellent from the radiologic aspect. The quality of the clinical results was as good as with the autologous grafts usually employed in these indications. No intolerance to the graft, no infection and no definite failure due to the technique was found. Their experience with other substitutes leads them to recommend use in the form of granules rather than as cylinders, so as to increase the surface of contact beween the graft and the living human bone.Endobon®, BIOMET MERCK'S medical device.     

Multicenter trial of Collagraft as bone graft substitute

Collagraft (Zimmer and Collagen Corporation) consists of a mixture of porous beads composed of 60% hydroxyapatite and 40% tricalcium phosphate ceramic and fibrillar collagen. When mixed with autogenous bone marrow, it serves as an effective bone graft substitute. Since September 1986, this material has been used in a multiclinic prospective trial, randomized against cancellous iliac crest autografts in the treatment of long bone fractures. To date, 267 patients have entered this study with 128 patients receiving cancellous autograft and 139 patients receiving Collagraft. At 6- and 12-month follow-ups, Collagraft appears to function as well as autogenous graft when used in the treatment of acute long bone fractures.     

Interporous hydroxyapatite as a bone graft substitute in tibial plateau fractures

The metaphyseal defects in 40 patients with displaced tibial plateau fractures necessitating surgical repair were filled with either cancellous autograft or interporous hydroxyapatite. Roentgenographic and clinical assessments at follow-up periods averaging 15.4 months (autograft) and 34.5 months (hydroxyapatite) demonstrated no significant differences in the two groups. Interporous hydroxyapatite is a safe, effective alternative to autogenous cancellous bone for the filling of metaphyseal defects associated with tibial plateau fractures.     

Tricalcium phosphate as a bone graft substitute in trauma: preliminary report

Ceramic tricalcium phosphate (TCP) has been implanted in bony defects in 43 patients following trauma. It is an osteoconductive material that facilitates trabecular bone formation. The average follow-up time was 12 months, with a 6-month minimum. There were 33 fractures in 30 patients and 13 nonunions in 13 patients. Three of the patients with acute fractures were unavailable for follow-up observation. Ninety percent of the fractures and 85% of the nonunions were healed at the time of this review. The resorption of TCP was estimated from the roentgenograms to be approximately 10% per month, with complete resorption occurring in 6-24 months. There were eight complications, five among the 30 fractures and three among the 13 nonunions that were observed later. There were three fractures and two nonunions that failed to heal. There were two fractures that had initially been open and one previously infected nonunion that united but were complicated due to infection. These preliminary results demonstrate TCP's usefulness as a substitute for cancellous bone. This is accompanied by other advantages, including increased patient safety, lack of donor site morbidity, unlimited shelf life and reduced operating time.     

The use of allograft bone in spine surgery: is it safe?

Background contextAllograft bone is commonly used in various spinal surgeries. The large amount of recalled allograft tissue, particularly in recent years, has increased concerns regarding the safety of allograft bone for spinal surgery. An analysis of allograft recall and its safety in spinal surgery has not been reported previously.PurposeTo determine 1) the number and types of allograft recall and the reasons for recall, 2) the types of disease transmission to spine patients, and 3) assess the safety of allograft bone in spinal surgery.Study design/settingRetrospective review.MethodsA retrospective review of all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data from 1994 to June 2007 was reviewed to determine the amount and types of recalled allograft tissue. The literature and data from the Center for Disease Control were reviewed to determine the number and types of disease transmissions from allograft bone that have occurred to spine surgery patients during the study period.ResultsThere were 59,476 musculoskeletal allograft tissue specimens recalled by FDA during the study period, which accounts for 96.5% of all allograft tissue recalled in the United States. Improper donor evaluation, contamination, and recipient infections are the main reasons for allograft recall. There has been one case of human immunodeficiency virus infection transmission to a spine surgery patient in 1988. This is the only reported case of viral transmission. There are no reports of bacterial disease transmission from the use of allograft bone to spine surgery patients.ConclusionsThe precise number of allografts used in spine surgery annually and the precise incidence of disease transmission to spine surgery patients linked to the use of allograft tissue is unknown. Musculoskeletal allograft tissue accounts for the majority of recalled tissue by FDA. Despite the large number of allograft recalls in this country, there is only one documented case in the literature of disease transmission to a spine surgery patient. There appears to be no overt risk associated with the use of allograft bone in spine surgery. However, as discussed in this article, there are certain aspects regarding the use of allograft bone that should be considered.     

带万古霉素的硫酸钙人工骨治疗耐药金黄色葡萄球菌感染的慢性骨髓炎

[目的]探讨带万古霉素的硫酸钙人工骨对甲氧西林耐药金黄色葡萄球菌(MRSA)感染的慢性骨髓炎的疗效.[方法]2l例MRSA感染的慢性骨髓炎患者,病程3-12个月,平均8个月.将病灶部位彻底清刨,填入带万古霉素的硫酸钙人工骨,配合全身使用抗生素.[结果]21例患者全部治愈,随访18～54个月,平均25.2个月,未见复发.[结论]带万古霉素的硫酸钙人工骨足治疗MRSA感染的慢性骨髓炎的有效方法.     

Porous hydroxyapatite as a bone graft substitute in diaphyseal defects: a histometric study

Porous hydroxyapatite (IP200), formed by conversion of the Poritidae porites exoskeleton, has pores averaging 230 microns and pore interconnections averaging 190 microns in diameter. In the distal radial diaphyses of 14 dogs, bilateral 7.5 X 20 mm cortical windows were created and fitted with 5 X 7.5 X 20 mm blocks of IP200 implants and iliac autografts. Both implanted and contralateral grafted radius specimens were retrieved at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 months. Unstained undecalcified sections were examined by microradiography and UV epi-illumination. Stained undecalcified sections were examined by light microscopy and quantitated by histometric methods. Implant specimens demonstrated good union and bone ingrowth at all time intervals. The implant specimens were composed of (mean +/- SE) 10.6% +/- 1.0% soft tissue, 51.2% +/- 1.3% bone, and 38.2% +/- 1.0% IP200. The graft specimens showed good union with little apparent ingrowth at 3 months, followed by progressive appositional closure of cancellous spaces. The graft specimens contained 21.9% +/- 0.9% bone at 3 months with increases at each time interval to 73.1% +/- 8.7% at 48 months. The volume fraction and mean width of IP200 did not change with time, confirming the absence of implant biodegradation. The volume fraction and mean width of bone remained stable in the implant but increased in the graft specimens, corresponding to graft neocortex formation. It is concluded that implants initially filled in with bone while grafts initially replaced much of their spongiosa and subsequently filled in with bone. Histometry of untreated defects and measurement of mechanical properties are suggested for further study.     

The compatibility of ceramic bone graft substitutes as allograft extenders for use in impaction grafting of the femur

This study investigates the use of porous biphasic ceramics as graft extenders in impaction grafting of the femur during revision hip surgery. Impaction grafting of the femur was performed in four groups of sheep. Group one received pure allograft, group two 50% allograft and 50% BoneSave, group three 50% allograft and 50% BoneSave type 2 and group four 10% allograft and 90% BoneSave as the graft material. Function was assessed using an index of pre- and post-operative peak vertical ground reaction force ratios. Changes in bone mineral density were measured by dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning. Loosening and subsidence were assessed radiographically and by histological examination of the explanted specimens. There was no statistically significant difference between the four groups after 18 months of unrestricted functional loading for all outcome measures.     

Changes in vertebral end plates in congenital spine deformities

The authors investigated morphologically material from 30 patients with congenital spine deformities operated on at the 2nd Orthopaedic University Department in Brno, and the spines of two patients who underwent a spinal operation and later died from other causes, and also the spines of young, healthy road accident victims. In the course of operations for congenital deformities of the spine representative tissue samples were taken (hemivertebrae, quarter vertebrae, etc.), along with the adjacent parts of intervertebral disks. The authors concentrated mainly on the growth defects of deformed vertebrae and microscopic changes in the adjacent cartilage plates. In this way light was thrown on some questions of both defects of formation and defects of segmentation of the mesenchymal base of the spine. The defects of ossification and growth disorders observed are, in the authors' opinion, an important component in the occurrence of congenital deformities and idiopathic scolioses and have a major effect on their progression.     

Changes in vertebral end plates in congenital spine deformities

Summary The authors investigated morphologically material from 30 patients with congenital spine deformities operated on at the 2nd Orthopaedic University Department in Brno, and the spines of two patients who underwent a spinal operation and later died from other causes, and also the spines of young, healthy road accident victims. In the course of operations for congenital deformities of the spine representative tissue samples were taken (hemivertebrae, quarter vertebrae, etc.), along with the adjacent parts of intervertebral disks. The authors concentrated mainly on the growth defects of deformed vertebrae and microscopic changes in the adjacent cartilage plates. In this way light was thrown on some questions of both defects of formation and defects of segmentation of the mesenchymal base of the spine. The defects of ossification and growth disorders observed are, in the authors' opinion; an important component in the occurrence of congenital deformities and idiopathic scolioses and have a major effect on their progression.

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Zusammenfassung Die Autoren untersuchten morphologisch das Operationsmaterial von 30 Patienten mit kongenitalen Wirbelsäulendeformitäten, welche in der II. Orthopädischen Universitätsklinik in Brno operiert wurden. Ferner wurden Wirbelsäulen von 2 Kranken, welche wegen einer Skoliose operiert wurden und später aus anderen Gründen starben, sowie Wirbelsäulen von 2 weiteren jungen und gesunden Menschen, die an Unfallfolgen starben, untersucht. Bei Operationen der kongenitalen Wirbelsäulendeformitäten wurden representative Gewebeteile zur Untersuchung entnommen. Es handelte sich um Halbwirbel, Viertelwirbel usw., sowie beiliegende Teile von Bandscheiben. Die Autoren widmeten sich hauptsächlich den Wachstumsstörungen der deformierten Wirbel und den mikroskopischen Veränderungen in dem Wachstumsknorpel der Wirbel sowie in den beiliegenden Wirbelknorpelplatten. Es wurden so einige Probleme aus dem Bereich der Wirbelformation un der Segmentationsstörungen der Wirbelsäule klargestellt. Die Ossifikationsdefekte und die Wachstumsstörungen der Wirbel stellen nach der Meinung der Autoren einen wesentlichen Faktor bei der Entstehung von kongenitalen und idiopatischen Skoliosen und anderen Wirbelsäulendeformitäten dar und beeinflussen beträchtlich ihre Progression.

     

Calcium sulfate used as bone graft substitute in acetabular fracture fixation

The purpose of this study was to determine the natural history of calcium sulfate pellets implanted during acetabular fracture surgery. The study group consisted of patients sustaining an acetabular fracture with intraarticular comminution or marginal impaction or both in whom calcium sulfate pellets were implanted in lieu of autologous bone graft. Between 1997 and 1999, 32 fractures were treated. Followup adequate to delineate pellet outcome, including radiographs and computed tomography, was obtained in 31 patients. Evaluation of plain radiographs showed that the calcium sulfate pellets became undifferentiated from the surrounding bone at an average of 7 weeks postoperatively. In no case was a residual bony deficit seen. Computed tomography analysis showed that in 22 patients, the pellets essentially had been (> 90%) replaced by bone and in four patients, the majority (> 50%-90%) of the pellets had been replaced by bone. However, in five patients, less than 50% of the pellets had been replaced by bone, including one showing no bony replacement. The common finding in patients with an extensive residual deficit was direct communication of the pellets with the joint space shown on the postoperative computed tomography scan. Patients with the best results had complete containment of the pellets within bone. Therefore, it seems that implanted calcium sulfate pellets in contact with joint synovial fluid are at risk for resorption without significant bony response. If calcium sulfate pellets are to be implanted in a periarticular location, complete bony containment is desirable. Evaluation of the periacetabular bony response requires computed tomography scans, as plain radiographs are inadequate for this purpose.     

Natural hydroxyapatite as a bone graft extender for posterolateral spine arthrodesis

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective analysis of spinal fusion, was to document the clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes with a local bone graft plus the highly osteoconductive hydroxyapatite, bio-derived Orthoss®, with or without bone marrow aspirate.

Methods

Forty seven patients submitted to spinal posterolateral fusion were operated for four major indications: scoliosis in young patients (11), degenerative spine (18), lumbosacral transitional anomalies in young adults (14), and spine trauma (four). Sixteen patients had more than four levels fused. In addition to spinal decompression and instrumented fusion, autologous bone grafts from the excised lamina were augmented with Orthoss® granules in a 1:1 ratio. In addition iliac crest bone marrow aspirate was used in 70 % of the patients. The results were assessed clinically in terms of pain, and return to school or professional activities were checked at three, six, and 12 months following surgery with a mean follow-up of 20 months. In scoliotic patients, correction of the major angle was evaluated from one to four years after surgery.

Results

Pain persistence was reported only in four cases, after three months after surgery. A functional recovery was noted in almost all patients groups within these three months. Progressive bone formation with evidence of bone fusion masses were already observed at six months. No fusion failure was observed.

Conclusions

Local bone enhanced by an osteoconductive long-term stable scaffold, used with and without bone marrow aspirate, led to successful fusion in all patients by six months while functional recovery was reported already within three to six months.