Abstract
Purpose of the study: Classically, bone grafts are harvested from the iliac crests which can provide a limited volume of graft material. Using the reaming product might help spare iliac bone.
Material and method: A variable head RIA device (reaming, irrigation, aspiration) was used over the last year for ten patients who presented partial or segmental bone loss. The bone graft was constructed exclusively with the reaming produce following membrane induction using a cement scaffold. The tibia was reconstructed in nine cases and the humerus in one. Bone loss was 6 cm on average.
Results: The reconstruction healed in six cases within a mean delay of 6 months; the 4 other cases are under assessment. Complementary bone was necessary to achieve healing in one case. There were no complications involving the donor site excepting transient pain at the point of insertion.
Discussion: In this series associating an induced membrane and reaming produce, the time to healing appeared to be shorter than with cancellous iliac bone. The smaller size of the fragment may be a determining factor.
Conclusion: Reaming products collected from medullary cavities of the long bones can be used for reconstruction of bone loss.
Correspondence should be addressed to Ghislaine Patte at sofcot@sofcot.fr
