| Abstract: | Vascularity is one of the factors determining successful bone regeneration. This prospective study focused on quantifying the microperfusion of tibial non-unions with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) 12?wk after revision surgery and comparing it with the osseous consolidation at a maximum of 24?mo assessed with standard radiography and computed tomography. Of 36 patients with tibial non-unions, 28 (77.8%) manifested consolidation, and 8 patients required further revision surgery. CEUS revealed significantly higher perfusion in consolidated versus persistent non-unions for all quantification parameters (e.g., wash-in perfusion index p?=?0.036). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a sensitivity of 82.1% and specificity of 75.0% with a wash-in perfusion index cutoff at 19.9 a.u. for diagnosing persisting non-unions. More than 1 y ahead of the final radiologic diagnostic examination, CEUS could predict eventual consolidation based on the osseous perfusion as soon as 12?wk postoperatively. This information can be crucial for the decision-making process for re-revision at an early stage. |
