Bone defects, which often arise from high-energy injuries, infections, tumor resections, or nonunions, represent a persistent challenge in orthopedic trauma surgery. Autologous bone grafting remains the gold standard due to its unique combination of osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive properties. However, issues such as donor site morbidity, limited graft volume, and increased surgical time have driven the development of bone graft substitutes. These substitutes vary widely in origin, composition, biological activity, and mechanical characteristics, encompassing allografts, xenografts, synthetic materials, and biologically enhanced constructs. This review outlines the fundamental biological principles underlying bone regeneration—including osteogenesis, osteoinduction, and osteoconduction—and addresses additional key factors such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical strength. Current bone graft materials are classified by biological origin and functional characteristics, with an emphasis on their use in trauma surgery. Particular attention is given to the clinical applications, indications, and limitations of allograft-based solutions (such as structural allografts and demineralized bone matrix), synthetic ceramics (including calcium phosphate and bioactive glass), and biologically enhanced options, such as recombinant growth factors and stem cell therapies. In trauma settings, graft selection must be tailored to the characteristics of the defect, mechanical demands, the biological environment, and patient-specific factors. Integration with surgical technique and fixation is crucial for optimizing outcomes. Although modern substitutes show promise, none fully replicate the complex biology of autografts. Looking ahead, emerging technologies such as 3D printing, nanotechnology, and smart biomaterials offer exciting possibilities but face translational challenges. This review aims to provide practicing orthopedic surgeons with a concise, evidence-based overview of bone substitute options and their roles in trauma care. By applying core biological principles and clinical judgment, surgeons can better navigate the expanding array of graft materials to improve outcomes for patients with complex skeletal defects.
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between the location of the plate and the incidence of clavicular hypoesthesia and the clinical features of patients with clavicular hypoesthesia after open reduction and internal fixation of clavicular midshaft fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-eight patients who underwent open reduction and plate fixation for clavicle midshaft fractures between March 2013 and October 2014 were assessed for eligibility. The total clavicular length (A), the distance to the medial end of the plate from the sternoclavicular joint (B), and the distance to the lateral end of the plate from the sternoclavicular joint (C) were measured. Correlation between the location of the clavicular plate and the incidence of clavicular hypoesthesia was evaluated. In addition, the severity, and recovery of hypoesthesia were evaluated. Patient satisfaction, pain visual analogue scale were evaluated regarding hypoesthesia. RESULTS The incidence of hypoesthesia was 32.1% (25/78 patients). No correlation was observed with respect to the location of the clavicular plate and the incidence of clavicular hypoesthesia (p=0.666 at the medial end, p=0.369 at the lateral end). Recovery from hypoesthesia was observed in 23 out of 25 patients (p=0.008). Patient satisfaction and pain showed negative correlation with the incidence of hypoesthesia (p=0.002 and p=0.022). CONCLUSION There was no correlation between clavicular hypoesthesia and the plate location. Although most cases of hypoesthesia were recovered, we should try to avoid hypoesthesia due to the negative 'correlation' with patient satisfaction and pain.
Biodegradable implants made of co-polymers composed of L-lactide, D-lactide, and trimethylene carbonate were used in the present case. To our knowledge, only one reported tissue reaction has been associated with ankle fracture treated with third-generation implants internationally and none yet domestically. We report a delayed foreign-body reaction of ankle fracture treated with a third-generation biodegradable plate and screws. We suggest that ankle fracture patients treated with biodegradable implants should be advised of this possible complication and should be followed for at least 2 years.
PURPOSE To evaluate the radiographic, clinical results between who had intertrochnateric fracture, treated with ITST with a standard or a mini-incision. MATERIALS AND METHODS We selected each 20 patients of intertrochanteric fracture which were treated with ITST with a standard incision or a mini-incision from June 2004 to July 2006. We compared of mean operative time, transfusion doses and postoperative VAS score between two groups. We evaluated the radiographic results by follow-up radiography and the clinical results with the mobility score of Parker and Palmer and Salvati and Wilson hip function scoring system. RESULTS Mean operative time, transfusion doses and postoperative VAS score were significantly less in the mini-incision there were 87.8 min., 2.0 pints and 4.2 for the standard group versus 40.3 min., 1.1 pints and 3.3 for the mini group. The radiographic results were not significantly different. Decrease of mobility score of Parker and Palmer and Salvati and Wilson hip function scoring system were similar. CONCLUSION Mini-incision significantly reduces operative time, transfusion doses and postoperative pain for fixation intertrochanteric fracture treated with ITST.
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Treatment of the Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture with Proximal Femoral Nail: Nailing Using the Provisional K-wire Fixation Gu-Hee Jung Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2011; 24(3): 223. CrossRef
Piriformis fossa is chosen for the entry point of the intramedullary nail insertion for the broken femoral shaft. To evaluate the correct entry point selection, the use of the usual operation table and short skin incision, we tried the percutaneous interlocking intramedullary nailing with retrograde guide wire insertion technique. The guide wire is inserted through the short skin incision on the anterior thigh and comes out through piriformis fossa easily. Through over the guide wire the femoral nail was inserted with only short skin incision. And the trick makes no difference except the convenience compared with the antegrade guide wire insertion technique. It is considered as a useful tip of the intramedullary nailing of the femoral shaft fracture.
PURPOSE This is a retrospective study to analyze the functional results of closed reduction and external fixation of unstable fractures of the proximal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten unstable proximal humerus fractures were managed with closed reduction and external fixation in which other operative methods are not proper due to comminution, osteoporosis or poor general condition of patients. 4 cases of 2-part and 6 cases of 3-part fracture were included. Radiologically union of fracture, malunion and the evdence of avascular necrosis of humeral head were assessed and the functional results were analyzed with Neer scoring system. RESULTS Radiologically all fractures were healed but in 2 cases malunion was resulted because of reduction loss in proximal fragment. Pin site infection was developed in 7 cases and oral antibiotics were needed. The functional results were excellent in 4, satisfactory in 3 and unsatisfactory in 3 cases. 2 cases with malunion and one case with lack of postoperative cooperation resulted in functionally unsatisfactory. CONCLUSION External fixation is an alternative method in the treatment of unstable proximal humerus fractures in which open reduction or percutaneous pinning are not proper due to comminution, osteoporosis or poor general condition of patient.
We performed a preliminary study to evaluate the effect of ultrasound in canine osteotomy model. Both ulna shafts were osteotomized and one side was irradiated with low-energy pulsing ultrasound, 50mW/cm2, 1 MHz, 200 microsecond bursting sine wave for 15 minutes, 6 days a week. Effect on the fracture healing was evaluated by radiologic scoring system, amount of uptake of radioactive isotope, and time to union. Results were as follows : At postoperative 2 months, means of the radiologic healing score were 4.5 in the irradiated side and 2.5 on the control side (p=0.019). Mean isotope uptake in the irradiated side was 44.4 count and 33.8 count in the control side (p=0.028). Two nonunion developed on the control side. Mean time to union of eight dogs was 2.6 months in the irradiated side and 3.1 months on the control side. Based on the cumulative union rate curve, fracture healing was stimulated and union was obtained one month faster in the irradiated side than the control side.
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Alterations in Serum Levels of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand and Osteoprotegerin in Patients with Head Injury and Fracture Shin Young Park, Kuen Tak Suh, Chang Hoon Ryu, Seung Hun Woo, Jung Sub Lee, Seong-Gang Kim Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2008; 21(2): 145. CrossRef