The crooked nose: principles of treatment

Correction of the crooked nose is one of the most challenging procedures in rhinoplasty. The goals of the surgery are creation of a rigid and straight cartilaginous L-strut, correction of the deviated bony structures, and improvement of the nasal airway. Curvatures of the dorsal septum can be corrected with several techniques. Spreader grafts, cartilage batten grafts, or ethmoid bone grafts can be utilized for internal stenting to straighten the dorsal deviations. The surgical treatment for a deformed caudal septum with the most predictable and successful outcome is resection and replacement with a straight septal cartilage graft. In severe deviations of septum cartilage involving both dorsal and caudal portions of the L-strut, extracorporeal reconstruction of the septal cartilage may be the required method. For correction of the deviated bony pyramid, several osteotomy methods can be employed. Medial osteotomy, low-to-low or low-to -high internal lateral osteotomy, double-level lateral osteotomies, and external lateral osteotomy are the options, depending on the deformity. Dorsal onlay grafts can provide camouflage for any residual asymmetries after septal reconstruction or can be applied for dorsal augmentation.     

Allogeneic bone in the treatment of tumors, trauma, and congenital anomalies of the hand

Because autogenous bone grafts are histocompatible by definition and because the hand does not require massive bone grafts, one may question the indications for using allogeneic bone in the hand. Although humans have been shown to develop donorgraft specific antibodies following large osteochondral allografts, these antibodies have not yet been noted after smaller bone grafts nor is the clinical significance of these antibodies clear. The use of allogeneic bone better satisfies the architectural and strength requirements for reconstruction when there is a need for osteochondral grafts, strong cortical grafts to allow secure fixation and early motion, and small tubular grafts that meet the demands of minimizing bulk in the hand. For the repair of osteochondral defects, autogenous grafts (ie, fibular head or metatarsal head) impose donor site deficits that can be clinically significant. In addition, grafts such as the fibular head do not provide reconstruction of a congruent joint surface. Strong cortical bone is an asset in metacarpal reconstruction; it enhances the quality of internal fixation, which in turn allows hand therapy to be started early, an essential treatment following hand injuries. A stiff hand after reconstruction will result despite excellent bony reconstruction if the fixation does not allow early motion. Autogenous cortical grafts donor sites (eg, ulna or tibia) can cause donor site morbidity, including fracture of weakened bone. The need for small tubular grafts is especially important in pediatric patients. Strong autogenous corticocancellous grafts are difficult to obtain in children, and these grafts are bulky and difficult to insert. In addition, for adults and children, the lack of a donor site means a much shorter hospital stay.     

Bone Chips and Diced Cartilage: An Anatomically Adopted Graft for the Nasal Dorsum

Since 1996, cranial bone chips or septal bone chips harvested during septal deviation surgery and small chips of ear or septal cartilage have been used in 67 patients for dorsal nasal augmentation or for smoothing dorsal nasal irregularities. In this study, 59 overresections of ostecartilaginous nose structures during previous aesthetic nose surgeries and 8 primary rhinoplasties occasioned the use of bone or cartilage grafts. For 57 patients both bone and ear cartilage grafts were used for the reconstruction. Bone grafts were used for seven cases and cartilage grafts for three cases.The results from 7 years, of experience with this method of nasal dorsum reconstruction were satisfactory and durable. The most important advantage of this method is that the bony side of the nose is reconstructed with bone and the cartilage side with cartilage. Another advantage is that the bone chips are incorporated with both nasal bones, building a strong dorsal nasal bony monoblack.This technique also is useful for augmenting mild saddle nose deformity and dorsal nasal projection deficiency on the bony part, cartilage part, or both parts.Presented at 16th Congress of ISAPS, Istanbul, Turkey, 26–29 May 2002 and 24th National Meeting of the Turkish Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery Society, Ankara, Turkey, 18–20 October 2002.     

Bone graft for tibial defects in total knee arthroplasty

Twenty-four knees with bone grafts for tibial defects at the time of either primary or revision total knee arthroplasty were followed for three to six years. With 22 of 24 bone grafts, union and revascularization were seen and no clinical collapse was present. In two, nonunion occurred, accompanied by collapse in one. Failure was attributed to varus alignment of the leg in one (a medial condylar graft) and to insufficient preparation of the bony bed in the second (bleeding bone was not exposed). Evidence for incorporation of the grafts was obtained by tomogram, bone scan, and bone biopsy. Incorporation was present by six months, but the time to complete remodeling was not determined. A bone graft is recommended for tibial defect involving 50% or more of the bony support of either tibial plateau. A bone graft is indicated whenever a cement column under the prosthesis would measure more than 5 mm in height.     

Incisional hernia through iliac crest defects

Summary Although the iliac crest ist the most common site from which autogenous bone grafts are obtained, complications are surprisingly rare. One of these is incisional hernia through the resulting bony defect. Occasionally, the herniated contents may proceed to obstruction or strangulation and require emergency surgery. Elective repair of such hernias is advisable in order to avoid such complications. Attention to primary closure of bony iliac defects when complete is mandatory to prevent the occurrence of incisional hernia.     

The use of vascularized fibular grafts for the reconstruction of spinal and sacral defects

Background: Large segmental defects of the spine may result from tumor resection as well as infection. The surrounding soft tissue in these situations is often compromised due to radiation exposure or infection. In these situations, in which conventional bone grafting has often failed, we have found vascularized fibular grafts an effective method of achieving bony union. The purpose of this study was to review the results of vascularized bone grafting for complex spinal reconstruction using free fibular transfer. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent multisegmental spinal reconstruction and pelvic reconstruction using posterior instrumentation and free fibula vascularized bone transfer. Results: Twelve patients underwent 14 free fibula transfers (7 anterior and 5 posteriorly placed) for reconstruction of lumbosacral spinal defects. Preoperative diagnoses included tumor, osteomyelitis, and nonunion. Average number of vertebral body resections was four and posterior instrumentation was used for all arthrodeses. Average duration of follow up was 45 months. Two flaps failed (14%), one resulting in nonunion and the other required salvage with an external hemipelvectomy. All remaining flaps healed at a mean time of 4.5 months (range, 3–10 months). Conclusion: Free fibula transfer for complex spinal reconstruction is a reliable means of obtaining bony union for complex lumbar or sacral resections where traditional bone grafting techniques may not be technically feasible. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.     

Calvarial bone graft harvest in children.

Bone grafts are occasionally required in the reconstruction of bony defects in the pediatric population. Strong recommendations have existed in the past toward the use of principally inner table bone grafts in children. In this retrospective series with an upper age limit of 14 years, outer table calvarial bone grafts were used as the material of choice for bony reconstructions. There were no complications relative to the outer table graft harvest in any of these 12 patients. Discussion of harvest techniques in different pediatric age groups will be reviewed.     

Repair of Bone Defects by Bone Inductive Material

Experimental fibular defects in 16 rats were filled with an acid decalcified homogenous bone matrix (bone inductive material). Autogenous bone grafts in corresponding defects in the other legs of the same rats served as controls. After 3 months, 11 of the 16 defects filled with bone inductive material healed with bony union, but only 4 of the 16 defects treated with autogenous bone grafts had healed. The results suggest that bone inductive material can repair bone defects which are too large to be healed by autogenous bone grafts.     

Repair of bone defects by bone inductive material.

Experimental fibular defects in 16 rats were filled with an acid decalcified homogenous bone matrix (bone inductive material). Autogenous bone grafts in corresponding defects in the other legs of the same rats served as controls. After 3 months, 11 of the 16 defects filled with bone inductive material healed with bony union, but only 4 of the 16 defects treated with autogenous bone grafts had healed. The results suggest that bone inductive material can repair bone defects are too large to be healed by autogenous bone grafts.     

No adverse effects of early weight bearing after uncemented total hip arthroplastyA randomized study of 20 patients

Experimental fibular defects in 16 rats were filled with an acid decalcified homogenous bone matrix (bone inductive material). Autogenous bone grafts in corresponding defects in the other legs of the same rats served as controls. After 3 months, 11 of the 16 defects filled with bone inductive material healed with bony union, but only 4 of the 16 defects treated with autogenous bone grafts had healed. The results suggest that bone inductive material can repair bone defects which are too large to be healed by autogenous bone grafts.     

Bone grafts for bone loss with total knee replacement

Predictable and reproducible use of bone graft for reconstruction of defects with total knee replacement requires (1) surface preparation of host bone to expose a viable bony bed, (2) definition of the defect and preparation of the graft so that excellent fit and fixation are obtained, (3) coverage of the graft by the component to prevent resorption of unstressed graft which may compromise the press-fit of the graft and lead to failure by collapse, (4) protection of the graft from overload by correct alignment of components and limb and by limited weight-bearing until union occurs, (5) protection of the graft by use of a stemmed component when indicated. In the knee, bone grafts can be expected to be successful in 90 to 95 per cent of patients if the above principles are followed. Failed grafts can be salvaged by a second graft or by use of custom components if the bone is judged to have united.     

Experimental study of vascularized tibiofibula graft in inbred rats: a preliminary report

An experimental study of vascularized tibiofibula grafts in inbred rats was performed. Roentgenologic and histologic changes of the grafted bone in the first seven postoperative weeks were especially investigated. After preliminary experiments on the vascular anatomy of the lower limbs of rats, tibiofibular vascularized grafts with femoral artery and vein were utilized in Fischer strain F-344 rats. The rate of bony union in the vascularized graft group was superior to that in the nonvascularized control groups. Fluorochrome-labeling studies of the grafted bone at the mid-diaphysis showed active periosteal new bone formation, following the vascularized graft. In contrast, normal tibial bone growth at the mid-diaphysis was mainly endosteal. However, both vascularized graft and normal bone demonstrated evidence of a "drift phenomenon" in the direction of growth. Since the life cycle of the rat is very short, compared with other laboratory animals, this experimental model may be useful in investigating the postoperative course of vascularized bone grafts with a short follow-up period.     

Tissue-engineered vascularized bone grafts: basic science and clinical relevance to trauma and reconstructive microsurgery

Bone grafts are an important part of orthopaedic surgeon's armamentarium. Despite well-established bone-grafting techniques, large bone defects still represent a challenge. Efforts have therefore been made to develop osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and osteogenic bone-replacement systems. The long-term clinical goal in bone tissue engineering is to reconstruct bony tissue in an anatomically functional three-dimensional morphology. Current bone tissue engineering strategies take into account that bone is known for its ability to regenerate following injury, and for its intrinsic capability to re-establish a complex hierarchical structure during regeneration. Although the tissue engineering of bone for the reconstruction of small to moderate sized bone defects technically feasible, the reconstruction of large defects remains a daunting challenge. The essential steps towards optimized clinical application of tissue-engineered bone are dependent upon recent advances in the area of neovascularization of the engineered construct. Despite these recent advances, however, a gap from bench to bedside remains; this may ultimately be bridged by a closer collaboration between basic scientists and reconstructive surgeons. The aim of this review is to introduce the basic principles of tissue engineering of bone, outline the relevant bone physiology, and discuss the recent concepts for the induction of vascularization in engineered bone tissue.     

Vascularized bone grafts for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia

Eight vascularized fibula grafts and two vascularized rib grafts were used for the treatment of 10 Boyd's Type II congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. All but one vascularized fibula graft united within 4 months. The two vascularized rib grafts did not unite until receiving a conventional bone graft. Nine spontaneous fractures were seen in four patients; all were subsequently treated successfully with cast or conventional bone graft. Corrective osteotomies were done in two patients. Follow-up averaged 8 years and 5 months (range, 5 years and 1 month to 14 years and 4 months). Average age at end of follow-up was 13 years and 6 months (range, 7 years and 10 months to 20 years and 4 months). After bony union was achieved, shortening of the affected leg averaged 3.8 centimeters, flexion deformity averaged 20 degrees, and valgus deformity averaged 24 degrees. In three patients, whose leg discrepancy averaged 4.9 centimeters, the leg was lengthened at an average patient age of 13 years and 9 months (age range, 11 years and 7 months to 15 years and 2 months). The resulting limb length discrepancy averaged 2.2 centimeters. Vascularized bone grafting is a reliable technique for achieving bony union in congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Residual shortening may be corrected later by limb lengthening. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 17;459–469 1996     

Fehlschläge der dorsalen Spongiosaplastik der vorderen Säule

The result of spine fractures is not only bony destruction but also in most cases biomechanical instability of the motion segment. The goal of operative treatment is stability. Besides internal fixation a recommended procedure was the transpedicular transplantation of cancellous bone to achieve bony fusion in the anterior column of the spine. In a clinical study after the stabilizing operation, we found a loss of correction 30–60% that was independent of the fracture type, implant or operation procedure. The lack of healing of the bone graft was the reason for the correction loss. The assessment of 3D reconstructions, generated from the digitized picture data of CT scans, shows small volumes of cancellous bone grafts with poor contact to the neighboring vertebral body. The results indicate that transpedicular bone grafting cannot be recommended for the operative treatment of unstable thoracolumbar spinal fractures, since in most cases no bony fusion occurs. In our opinion combined anterior-posterior stabilizations are more often indicated.     

Surgical challenges in complex primary total hip arthroplasty.

Complex primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is defined as primary THA in patients with compromised bony or soft-tissue states, including but not limited to dysplastic hip, ankylosed hip, prior hip fracture, protrusio acetabuli, certain neuromuscular conditions, skeletal dysplasia, and previous bony procedures about the hip. Intraoperatively, provisions must be made for the possible use of modular implants and/or bone grafts. In this article, we review the principles of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of patients requiring a complex primary THA.     

Surgical challenges in complex primary total hip arthroplasty

Complex primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is defined as primary THA in patients with compromised bony or soft-tissue states, including but not limited to dysplastic hip, ankylosed hip, prior hip fracture, protrusio acetabuli, certain neuromuscular conditions, skeletal dysplasia, and previous bony procedures about the hip. Intraoperatively, provisions must be made for the possible use of modular implants and/or bone grafts. In this article, we review the principles of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of patients requiring a complex primary THA.     

Vascularized bone grafts to the upper extremity. Indications and technique.

Massive autogenous bone grafts with an intact vascular pedicle decrease the time to bony union and immobilization required for treatment of segmental bony defects. These techniques have been shown to be effective in treatment of segmental defects of more than 6 cm after trauma or tumor resection in relatively avascular beds. Additionally, in the upper extremity, the free vascularized bone graft is in the developmental phase for employment in the reconstruction of epiphyseal arrest and congenital radial club hand. There are disadvantages to free vascularized bone transfers compared with conventional techniques. For example, a free vascularized fibular transfer requires a team skilled in microvascular technique, a long operative time (6 to 10 hours), and the sacrifice of a major vessel to the lower extremity. If the anastomosis fails, however, the free vascularized fibula will act as a conventional bone graft, thereby minimizing adverse effects. We think that by proper patient selection, appropriate evaluation and preparation of the bony defect, meticulous microvascular anastomosis, and correct fixation and immobilization of the graft a good outcome can be achieved in those patients with large bony defects that defy the use of conventional methods.     

膜内成骨与软骨成骨贴敷移植的早期血管化比较研究

目的采用Ｗｉｓｔａｒ大鼠对颅骨（膜内成骨）和髂骨（软骨成骨）贴敷移植后早期再血管化进行了观察研究。方法用计算机图像处理进行定量分析。结果骨移植７天后,软骨成骨与膜内成骨血管密度分别为：２２３３％和１１８８％;１４天时分别为３４９３％和１５９３％。结论软骨成骨移植后较膜内成骨有更加迅速的血管化。文中对骨移植后骨质结构,血管化以及骨质体积存留之间的关系进行了讨论。     

Long-term follow-up of vascularized bone grafts for the reconstruction of tibial nonunion: evaluation with computed tomographic scanning.

Ten cases of reconstruction of the tibia with vascularized bone grafts were evaluated by computed tomographic (CT) scanning. In all cases the grafts were placed because of pseudarthrosis. The patients ranged in age from 20 to 64 years. The duration of follow-up was 1-9 years. In six cases fibular grafts were used to bridge the defect and in four cases iliac crest grafts were used. No additional bone grafts were placed after the initial operation. The pseudarthroses were classified into three types: type N--no bony defect (4 cases); type P--partial bony defect (3 cases); and type C--complete segmental bone loss (3 cases). Our evaluation showed that the grafts used to treat the type N and type P pseudarthroses were the same shape and size as at the time of placement. The grafts used to treat the type C pseudarthroses were hypertrophied, although the medullary canal of the graft remained the same size as at the time of placement. Hypertrophy was a result of an extraperiosteal reaction. The fibular grafts were square rather than triangular in cross section. It was concluded that mechanical loading is important in promoting hypertrophy of the graft.