自体颅骨移植在眶底重建中的应用

目的 评价自体颅骨移植在治疗面部外伤致眶底缺损中的作用。方法 对34例面部创伤眶底爆裂骨折（以下简称眶底骨折）有骨质缺损者,采用冠状切口取自休遭受,结膜切口加外眦切开入路进行骨移植修复缺损。结果 所有病例术后创口愈合良好,无感染。供骨区无并发症发生。1例术后3个月内有轻微下睑外翻,通过自行按摩半年后已不明显,8例术前有眶下区麻木者,术后1-6个月全部恢复,4例有复视者术后消失,通过半年至5年（平衡11个月）的随诊,移植骨成活良好,供受骨区切口瘢痕不明显,均取得了满意的临床疗效。结论 自体颅骨移植并发症少,对眶底的重建有许多优点。是眶底重建的理想移植材料。     

A Comparison of Full and Split Thickness Skin Grafts in Radial Forearm Donor Sites

To formally evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes between full versus split thickness skin graft coverage of radial forearm free flap donor sites. A retrospective chart review of 47 patients who underwent pedicled or free radial forearm free flap reconstruction from May 1997 to August 2004 was performed. Comparisons were made between patients who had donor site coverage with split thickness skin grafts (STSG) or full thickness skin grafts (FTSG). There was no statistically significant difference between the STSG and FTSG in the number of post-operative dressings, incidence of tendon exposure, time to healing at the skin graft donor site, and time to healing at the skin graft recipient site. The questionnaire data showed there was a trend toward higher scores with the radial forearm scar aesthetics and satisfaction in the FTSG group. Full thickness skin graft coverage of radial forearm free flap donor site is superior to split thickness skin graft coverage in terms of aesthetic outcome, and has no statistically significant difference in terms of tendon exposure, time to healing at the skin graft donor site, time to healing at the skin graft recipient site, or post operative pain.     

A solution to the vessel shortage during free vascularized fibular grafting for reconstructing infected bone defects of the femur: Bridging with vein transplantation

PurposeThe present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of bridging vein transplantation to deal with the vessel shortage during free vascularized fibular grafting for reconstructing infected bone defects of the femur.MethodsTwelve patients (aged 15–58 years) with infected bone defects of the femur (between 6.0 and 18.0 cm) were recruited in this study. Vacuum sealing drainage were applied after extensive debridement of the infected bone defects and irrigated with 0.9% sodium chloride solution for 1–2 weeks. After the drainage was clear and the focal infections were controlled, the free vascularized fibula was harvested for reconstructing the femoral bone defects. The vascularized fibula was grafted and fixated appropriately at the recipient site. The autogenous great saphenous vein was harvested, one end was anastomosed and bridged the vascular pedicles of the fibular grafts, and the other end anastomosed the artery and/or the vein in the recipient healthy site.ResultsMean length of vein transplantation with vascularized fibular graft was 10.2 cm (range 7–15 cm). All patients had good radiological healing without recorded nonunion or malunion. No patient developed deep infection or implant failure. Primary bone healing was achieved in 10 patients; however, 2 grafted fibular formed pseudarthrosis with the recipient femoral and then healed after a secondary surgery. One patient suffered from graft stress fracture after bone healing and healed after external fixation. After the mean follow-up of 30 months (9–72 months), according to the Enneking scoring system, clinical outcomes were excellent in 7 patients, good in 4 and fair in one. The functional recovery rate of the lesion limb was 89.4%.ConclusionsFree vascularized fibular graft with vein transplantation bridged vascular pedicle can effectively repair the infected bone, improve blood supply to the bone defect site, and help control infection. It is a feasible and effective treatment for infected bone defects of the femur with poor soft tissue conditions, or blood supply vessel shortage.     

自体骨髓移植治疗胫骨骨不连

目的 探讨经皮自体骨髓移植治疗胫骨骨折不愈合的疗效。方法 1996年3月－2000年6月,用自体骨髓移植治疗胫骨骨不连患者56例。采用抽取自身红骨髓,在X线透视下用一枚骨穿针刺入骨不连部位注射,术后加压包扎并选用合适的固定材料,每月1次,共需2－3次。结果 56例全部获得随访,时间为4个月－4年2个月,平均2．8年。骨折愈合53例。X线片示：骨折线消失,有大量边疆骨痂形成,未愈合3例。结论 自体骨髓移植在骨不连部位有成骨作用,取材容易,操作简便,疗效满意,有临床应用价值。     

钻取式柱状自体髂骨植骨术应用及供骨区术后并发症的临床分析

目的:探讨钻取式柱状自体髂骨植骨术的临床疗效及分析该植骨术对供骨区术后并发症的影响。方法 :自2014年3月至2016年10月,回顾性分析自体髂骨植骨患者68例,按照取骨方式不同,分为钻取式取骨(钻取组)和骨刀式取骨(骨刀组),每组34例。钻取组男24例,女10例;年龄23~53(40.06±5.60)岁;骨刀组男26例,女8例;年龄22~54(39.32±6.44)岁;观察并比较两组患者的取骨手术时间、术中供区出血量、术后供区伤口愈合时间及术后供区并发症等,并采用VAS评分对术后不同时期供区进行疼痛评价。结果:68例患者获得随访,时间12~24个月,钻取组平均16.9个月,骨刀组平均17.1个月。两组受区显示骨愈合结构,采用自体髂骨植骨术均见效果良好。两组手术操作时间差异无统计学意义(P0.05);两组术中供区出血量及术后供区伤口愈合时间差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);两组术后并发症(髂骨凹陷、麻木)差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后2周VAS评分两组差异无统计学意义(P0.05),术后6个月和1年钻取组VAS评分均比骨刀组低(1.85±0.61 vs 2.97±0.67,P=0.000;1.15±0.56 vs 2.41±0.61,P=0.000)。结论:术中无须大块特殊形状或较多皮质骨髂骨植骨时,用钻取式柱状自体髂骨植骨术操作简便、术后并发症少;能促进受区早期愈合,改善患者生活质量,较传统骨刀取骨优势明显。     

Calcium phosphate ceramics as bone graft substitutes in filling bone tumor defects

Background:

Synthetic bio-inert materials are currently used as an alternative to autogenous bone graft. Calcium hydroxyapatite (HA) and Beta tri-calcium phosphate (β-TCP), which belong to the calcium phosphate ceramics group, are biocompatible and osteo-conductive. The purpose of this study is to analyse the use of HA and β-TCP in their ceramic forms as a bone graft substitute in filling bone voids after curettage of benign bone tumors.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-four patients in the age range of 3.5-55 years (mean 14.3 years) having benign bone tumors with bone defects were filled with bone graft substitute following curettage. In 20 patients bone defects were filled with block/granules of HA ceramic and in four with β-TCP. Fibular strut graft was packed with HA in four patients. The patients were followed up for an average of 18 months (range 12-36 months).

Results:

The functional status of the patients at follow-up was evaluated and compared with preoperative functional status. Early incorporation of graft substitutes became evident radiologically between 6 and 10 weeks (Stage I). Complete incorporation (Stage III) was observed in an average of nine months (6-18 months). Clinical healing was observed before radiological healing. The average time taken to return to preoperative function was 14 weeks. There was no recurrence of lesion or growth retardation.

Conclusion:

Calcium hydroxyapatite and β-TCP are excellent bone graft substitutes for autogenous bone graft in filling voids after curettage of benign bone tumors.     

Allogenic versus autologous cancellous bone in lumbar segmental spondylodesis: a randomized prospective study

The current gold standard in lumbar fusion consists of transpedicular fixation in combination with an interbody interponate of autologous bone from iliac crest. Because of the limited availability of autologous bone as well as the still relevant donor site morbidity after iliac crest grafting the need exists for alternative grafts with a comparable outcome. Forty patients with degenerative spinal disease were treated with a monosegmental spondylodesis (ventrally, 1 PEEK-cage; dorsally, a screw and rod system), and randomly placed in two groups. In group 1, autogenous iliac crest cancellous bone was used as a cage filling. In group 2 the cages were filled with an allogenic cancellous bone graft. Following 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, the clinical outcome was determined on the basis of: the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire; patient satisfaction; patient willingness to undergo the operation again; and a visual analog scale for pain. The radiological outcome was based on both fusion rate (radiographs, computed tomography), and on the bone mineral density of the grafts. After 6 months, the X-rays of the patients in group 2 had a significantly lower rate of fusion. Aside from this, there were no further significant differences. After 12 months, radiological results showed a similar fusion rate in both groups. Donor site complications consisted of five patients with hematoma, and three patients with persistent pain in group 1. No implant complications were observed. If a bone bank is available for support and accepting the low risk of possible transmission of infectious diseases, freeze–dried allogenic cancellous bone can be used for monosegmental spondylodeses. The results demonstrated an equivalent clinical outcome, as well as similar fusion rates following a 12-month period. This is in despite of a delayed consolidation process.     

Cancellous bone donor site regeneration

Patients requiring cancellous bone grafting of an extensive deficit or multiple grafting procedures often lack a sufficient quantity of autogenous cancellous donor bone. This study was designed to determine the potential for reharvesting autogenous cancellous bone donor sites in a canine model. Fixed-sized cancellous bone grafts were harvested from the ilium of 12 mature, conditioned dogs. Ilia containing the donor sites were removed from groups of 3 dogs at intervals of 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The donor sites were evaluated by roentgenograms, histology, and histomorphometric analysis and were compared to the opposite, nonoperated ilia, which served as controls. The analysis revealed a gradual replacement of the surgical defect with new cancellous bone by 1 year. Donor site reharvesting is a potential alternative to multiple site grafting or the use of allograft material.     

The application of autologous and fresh frozen allogenous bone grafts in uncemented total hip replacement using Parhofer-M?nch endoprosthesis]

An attempt to classify the use of autogenous and fresh frozen allogenous bone grafts in uncemented primary and revision total hip replacement using Parhofer-M?nch endoprosthesis is presented. Bone graft type and acceptor site have been analyzed in 102 patients (89 females, 13 males, mean age 51.1 years, range 20-74 years). Idiopathic and dysplastic hip oateoarthrosis constituted majority of diagnoses in this series. In only 4 primary replacements and in all 6 revision replacements frozen allogenous bone grafts were used. The study revealed, that autogenous bone grafts are used most frequently. The roof and bottom of the acetabulum is usual acceptor site. Dysplastic hip osteoarthrosis cases are most demanding in this regard. Revision arthroplasties require great amount of fresh frozen allogenic bone grafts.     

Prolonged improvement of total pancreatic allograft function by previous intrathymic bone marrow cell injection in rats

Donor-specific induction of tolerance was previously achieved in the diabetic rat by intrathymic injection of pancreatic islets. It allowed a secondary islet graft in any site without immunosuppression. Since total pancreatic graft in man is metabolically more proficient than islet graft, we attempted tolerance induction for total vascularized pancreas transplantation in diabetic BN recipient rats by an intrathymic bone marrow cell (BMC) injection from Lewis donor rats, associated to an antilymphocyte antibody (ALS) administration. Control groups consisted of isogenic grafts, allogenic grafts without tolerance induction and allogenic grafts with ALS alone. In all grafted groups, mean blood glucose and plasma insulin were normalised within 24 h. Graft rejection (clinically suggested by diabetes recurrence and later confirmed by histology) appeared at 18 +/- 2 postoperative days in the absence of intrathymic BMC injection and at 36 +/- 8 days in the group with BMC injection (p < 0.05). Intrathymic bone marrow graft was successful in delaying rejection in our study.     

The olecranon bone graft for nasal augmentation

The olecranon bone graft offers an alternative to the cranial bone when autogenous material is preferred in the repair of moderate deficiencies of the nasal dorsum. The predictably thick cortex of the olecranon allow the crafting of a customized implant, and minimal donor site morbidity makes it a safe alternative to the cranial graft.     

Allogenous Cartilage Graft Versus Autogenous Cartilage Graft in Augmentation Rhinoplasty: A Decade of Clinical Experience

Cartilage grafts have great value in augmentation rhinoplasty. For most surgeons, an autogenous cartilage graft is the first choice in rhinoplasty because of its resistance to infection and resorption. On the other hand, an allogenous cartilage graft might be preferred over an autogenous graft to avoid additional morbidity and lengthened operating time. Allogenous cartilage grafts not only have the advantage of averting donor site morbidity but also are resistant to infection, resembling autogenous cartilage grafts. The authors present their experience with 41 patients who underwent augmentation rhinoplasty using 22 autogenous and 19 allogenous cartilage grafts between June 1994 and August 2004. For evaluation of adequate augmentation rates, photographic analyses were performed on preoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative photographs from all the patients. To assess patient satisfaction, the Facial Appearance Sorting Test (FAST) was applied preoperatively and late postoperatively in both groups. These results were compared, and it was concluded that in terms of resorption, there was no difference in the early and late postoperative follow-up data between allogenous and autogenous cartilage grafts. Evaluation of the preoperative and early postoperative photographic outcomes showed statistically significant differences with respect to adequate augmentation rates between the two groups. The FAST scores showed statistically significant differences between preoperative and late postoperative outcomes. There were no infections in the two groups of patients. Commentary to DOI: .     

A New Harvest Site for Bone Graft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Revision Surgery

During revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, femoral interference screws frequently require removal. This may lead to significant tunnel widening and possible graft fixation failure as a result. Solutions include drilling the revision tunnel in a different location, using stacked interference screws, or using bone graft to fill the defect. Autogenous iliac crest graft and allograft are both used, but there are significant comorbidities associated with each. We developed a new technique for harvesting autogenous bone graft that avoids many of the complications associated with other graft sources. By use of the existing surgical incision from the initial harvest of the bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft, bone from the medial tibial metaphyseal safe zone is harvested via an OATS tube harvester (Arthrex, Naples, FL). A bone plug 1 mm larger in size than the femoral defect is harvested and arthroscopically inserted via a press-fit technique. At 3 months after bone grafting, patients undergo revision ACL reconstruction. The proximal tibial metaphysis is a safe bone graft harvest site in revision ACL surgery and offers an effective method for filling large bony defects, allowing anatomic reconstruction of the ACL after bone healing has occurred. Furthermore, it eliminates the problems associated with allograft or use of a remote graft donor site.     

Failure of reconstitution of open-section, posterior iliac-wing bone graft donor sites after lumbar spinal fusion. Observations with implications for the etiology of donor site pain

The objective of this cohort study—conducted at a regional trauma unit in southern Ontario, Canada—was to review the imaging history of open-section, iliac-wing bone graft donor sites in lumbar fusion patients. Intervention entailed review of available X-ray and CT scan images for all patients undergoing lumbar fusion with iliac autograft in the senior authors practice over a 4-year period. Outcome was radiographic confirmation of the absence of bony reconstitution at the iliac harvest site. Of 239 primary fusions performed, 209 complete imaging records were available for review. The images of a further 20 patients who had surgery with the senior author prior to the study period and who presented at the office in the first half of 2000 were also assessed. All cases showed persistence of the iliac donor harvest site defect. Only minimal marginal sclerosis to suggest attempted remodeling was observed. We conclude that iliac-wing bone graft donor sites do not remodel. Given that iliac harvesting is known to increase strain in the pelvis, and that lumbosacral stabilization increases stress in the pelvis, permanent deficiency of iliac bone stock at donor harvest site may be a factor in both primary donor site pain and the observed high frequency of this problem in lumbosacral fusion patients.     

Repair of long bone defects with demineralized bone matrix and autogenous bone composite

Background:

Repair of diaphyseal bone defects is a challenging problem for orthopedic surgeons. In large bone defects the quantity of harvested autogenous bone may not be sufficient to fill the gap and then the use of synthetic or allogenic grafts along with autogenous bone becomes mandatory to achieve compact filling. Finding the optimal graft mixture for treatment of large diaphyseal defects is an important goal in contemporary orthopedics and this was the main focus of this study. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and autogenous cancellous bone (ACB) graft composite in a rabbit bilateral ulna segmental defect model.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-seven adult female rabbits were divided into five groups. A two-centimeter piece of long bone on the midshaft of the ulna was osteotomized and removed from the rabbits’ forearms. In group 1 (n=7) the defects were treated with ACB, in group 2 (n=7) with DBM, and in group 3 (n=7) with ACB and DBM in the ratio of 1:1. Groups 4 and 5, with three rabbits in each group, were the negative and positive controls, respectively. Twelve weeks after implantation the rabbits were sacrificed and union was evaluated with radiograph (Faxitron), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and histological methods (decalcified sectioning).

Results:

Union rates and the volume of new bone in the different groups were as follows: group 1 - 92.8% union and 78.6% new bone; group 2 - 72.2% union and 63.6% new bone; and group 3 - 100% union and 100% new bone. DEXA results (bone mineral density [BMD]) were as follows: group 1 - 0.164 g/cm², group 2 - 0.138 g/cm², and group 3 - 0.194 g/cm².

Conclusions:

DBM serves as a graft extender or enhancer for autogenous graft and decreases the need of autogenous bone graft in the treatment of bone defects. In this study, the DBM and ACB composite facilitated the healing process. The union rate was better with the combination than with the use of any one of these grafts alone.     

Autologous versus allogenic bone grafts in instrumented anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a prospective study with respect to bone union pattern

Background The purpose of this prospective semi-randomised comparative study was to compare fusion rates, course of fusion, and occurrence of collapse and subsidence of autologous and allogenic bone grafts in instrumented anterior cervical fusion. The number of fused levels and the smoking status were investigated as potential factors influencing the bone-healing process. No similar prospective study on instrumented anterior cervical discectomy and fusion was found in the literature.Methods Seventy-nine consecutive patients were operated on using the Smith–Robinson technique with a single instrumentation system at one or two levels. Seventy-six cadaverous fibular bone grafts and 37 autologous iliac-crest bone grafts were inserted. All patients were followed up for at least 2 years.Results The radiographs obtained during the follow-up were analysed, and showed no statistical difference in fusion and collapse rate between autografts and allografts. Allografts showed significantly longer time to union. No case of graft migration was observed. No difference was found between fusion and collapse rate with respect to the number of fused levels in general, but greater time to union was seen in two-level fusions. When one- and two-level subgroups were compared, there was no evidence of any significant difference in fusion or collapse rates between autografts and allografts, and the healing process took longer in allogenic grafts. Smoking status did not alter any of the fusion or collapse rates, or the course of bone fusion.Conclusions This study demonstrates that allografts are suitable substitutes for autografts in instrumented ACDF. Prolonged time to union observed in allogenic bone grafts does not seem to be an important factor in instrumented procedures. Two-level grafting does not imply a significantly lower fusion rate, but longer time to union can be expected than with single-level instrumented procedures in both allograft and autograft subgroups. Our relatively small number of patients may not have been sufficient to decipher significant differences between smokers and non-smokers in the rate or course of fusion as previously reported.     

Scar Tissue Graft as a Filler for Soft Tissue Augmentation

Soft tissue augmentation with autogenous tissue has been used to correct various defects during aesthetic facial contouring and reconstructive procedures. Although dermal grafts have longer survival rates, fat grafts always have been more popular because of the simple harvesting and grafting methods used. The authors aimed to use existing scar tissue as an injectable graft and to compare its effectiveness as a soft tissue filler substance with that of dermal grafts. In this study, scar tissue was created on 24 male Wistar rats. The created scar and normal healthy skin were removed from the rat dorsal scapular donor site. After depithelialization, the harvested tissues were minced until they were thin enough to pass through a 16-gauge needle. The grafts then were injected into the recipient site between the abdominal muscles. Volumetric analyses and histologic evaluation of the grafts were performed 1, 3, and 5 months after transplantation. The first month after the injection, the amount of remaining dermis graft was more than the scar graft, and this difference was statistically significant. However, at the end of months 3 and 5, there was no marked difference between the groups. The remaining volume of injected scar tissue graft was comparable with that of the dermis graft. The scar grafts were composed mainly of dense connective tissue during all the evaluation periods. In this study, scar tissue provided results comparable with those of dermal grafts up to 5 months when used as a soft tissue filler. It seems that neovascularization of the scar graft may be inadequate for maintenance of graft viability, as compared with dermis grafts. On the other hand, the scar graft formed fibrous tissue, which may be responsible for providing adequate volume as a filler. This may have clinical implications for the patient who needs both scar revision and soft tissue augmentation procedures simultaneously.     

Clinical results of harvesting autogenous cancellous graft from the ipsilateral proximal tibia for use in foot and ankle surgery

INTRODUCTION: The harvesting of autogenous cancellous bone graft has many uses in foot and ankle surgery. The most common referenced donor sites are the iliac crest, distal tibia, and calcaneus. These all have demonstrated limitations, the high morbidity rate associated with the iliac crest and the poor quantity of graft from distal sources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1995 and February 2000, 155 patients were retrospectively identified who had undergone a foot or ankle procedure utilizing the ipsilateral, proximal tibia as the donor site for autogenous cancellous graft. The patients were 18 years or older with no history of previous bony surgery to the tibia used and no history of previous injury or pain in the knee. The group included patients with isolated reconstructions as well as multiextremity trauma patients. All were kept nonweightbearing on the involved extremity for a minimum of 6 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: There were 90 male and 65 female patients. The average age was 41 years and 5 months. There were 51 smokers averaging 17.6 pack years (range, 1-50 pack years). Twenty-six patients were admitted alcoholics, and 12 admitted to prior intravenous drug use. Cancellous graft was utilized in both traumatic and reconstructive settings. Eighty-nine fractures in 86 patients received grafting. Sixty-nine reconstructions or fusions of the hindfoot or midfoot were done using this technique. There were no reported major complications due to this procedure. No fractures, infections, or wound breakdowns occurred during this study. There were no reported long-term problems with knee pain or function. There was one postoperative hematoma that resolved over time. There were three incidents of sensory changes at the incision site. CONCLUSION: The use of the ipsilateral proximal tibia as a source for autogenous cancellous bone graft is a procedure with low added morbidity and a source of adequate graft material.     

Donor site morbidity with reamer-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) use for autogenous bone graft harvesting in a single centre 204 case series

Donor site morbidity and complication rate using the reamer-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) system for intramedullary, non-structural autogenous bone graft harvesting were investigated in a retrospective chart and radiographic review at a University affiliated Level-1 Trauma Centre. 204 RIA procedures in 184 patients were performed between 1/1/2007 and 12/31/2010. RIA-indication was bone graft harvesting in 201 (98.5%), and intramedullary irrigation and debridement in 3 (1.5%) cases. Donor sites were: femur – antegrade 175, retrograde 4, tibia – antegrade 7, retrograde 18. Sixteen patients had undergone two RIA procedures, two had undergone three procedures, all using different donor sites. In 4 cases, same bone harvesting was done twice. Mean volume of bone graft harvested was 47 ± 22 ml (20–85 ml). The complication rate was 1.96% (N = 4). Operative revisions included 2 retrograde femoral nails for supracondylar femur fractures 6 and 41 days postoperatively (antegrade femoral RIA), 1 trochanteric entry femoral nail (subtrochanteric fracture) 17 days postoperatively (retrograde femoral RIA) and 1 prophylactic stabilization with a trochanteric entry femoral nail for intraoperative posterior femoral cortex penetration without fracture. In our centre, the RIA technique has a low donor site morbidity and has been successfully implemented for harvesting large volumes of nonstructural autogenous bone graft.     

Use of frozen cranial vault bone allografts in the repair of extensive cranial bone defects

Summary In cranioplasty complexity is proportional to the size of the defect, particularly if greater than 50 cm². If the patient's own bone flap is not available, allogenic frozen bone graft can be used instead.Between June 1990 and June 1995 twenty cranioplasties with allogenic frozen bone grafts were performed. Age of patients ranged between 23 and 63 years (average 38.4 years). Male/female ratio was 2 1.7. Size of craniectomy ranged between 65 and 150 cm² (average 83.3 cm²). Follow-up ranged between 10 and 58 months (average 41 months).Donors were tested to rule out transmissible diseases, infections, sepsis and/or cancer. Bone grafts were removed under aseptic conditions, microbiological cultures were taken, wrapped in a gauze soaked with Gentamicin sulphate and Bacitracin, sealed in three sterilised vinyl plastic bags, and stored in a deep freezer for a minimum of 30 days (range 36–93 days, average 67 days), at a temperature of –80 °C.Grafts were placed in the defect after a step was carved on its borders to facilitate the contact between host and graft. Vancomycin 1 g. IV/12 hours and Ceftriaxone 1 g. IV/12 hours were administered for five days.Grafts were covered by means of scalp flaps. Only one required a musculocutaneous free flap. None was exposed, extruded or had to be removed.Plain skull X-ray studies showed progressive remodelling of the grafts. Partial resorption was observed in two (2/20, 10%) and loss of thickness in another 3/20 (15%), but with no changes in the contour.Biopsies were taken in 3/20 (15%) cases at a second surgical procedure. Areas of osteoclastic resorptive activity mixed with others of osteoblastic bone apposition, showed replacement with new bone.We conclude that cranial vault frozen allografts are a good alternative to autologous bone when the latter is absent or not present in sufficient amount.