Use of Nonvascularized Structural Bone Allografts for Reconstruction of Massive Post-Traumatic Segmental Femoral Bone Defects: A Retrospective Case Series
Abstract
Background: Massive post-traumatic segmental bone defects exceeding 5 cm-particularly those resulting from Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB open fractures-present a formidable reconstructive challenge. Autologous bone graft, though biologically superior, is restricted in this context by limited harvest volume and donor-site morbidity. Nonvascularized structural bone allografts provide unrestricted graft volume and immediate mechanical support, but data on their performance in severely compromised post-traumatic environments remain sparse. Methods: This retrospective case series evaluated three patients with massive distal femoral bone loss following high-energy trauma. All were managed with a staged protocol: radical debridement and temporary joint-spanning external fixation at index surgery, followed by definitive reconstruction with a matched nonvascularized structural allograft and retrograde intramedullary nailing once the host bed was aseptic and soft-tissue coverage was established. Results: Limb salvage was achieved in all three patients at a mean follow-up of 18 months. Two patients attained stable biological integration and restored anatomical alignment; one of these progressed to full unassisted weight-bearing by four months postoperatively. The third patient developed symptomatic pseudarthrosis at the distal host-graft junction. The proximally integrated allograft had preserved sufficient femoral bone stock to serve as anchorage for a segmental total knee arthroplasty…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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