Abstract:

BACKGROUND: A large number of allogeneic bones have been applied in the clinical treatment due to the development of low temperature, cells, immune, and sterilization technology which brings hope to patients with all kinds of large bone defects.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of allogeneic frozen bone graft with external fixator on repair of massive bone defect.
METHODS: Large bone defects in 36 patients were repaired by allogeneic frozen bone graft and external fixator. The mechanical support and fixation were provided and the regular return visits were preformed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The patients were followed-up for 1-24 months. Among these 36 cases, one case was lost and all the other 35 cases showed primary bone healing. The mean healing time was 9-20 months. No obvious immune rejection to the grafts was observed in most of the patients in early operation. The joint activity and body weight was good. Some patients showed mild limb swelling, three cases of slight swelling and pain were appeared around the incision, four cases of patients with more wound exudates and the bacterial culture was negative. Smear staining showed that there were plasma cells, lymphocytes and few neutrophils which may due to the chronic immune rejection. After dressing and application of prednisone for 3 days, the secretions were reduced and all the incisions were healed. Allogeneic frozen bone graft with external fixator is a useful and reliable reconstructive method for the treatment of large bone defect.