Abstract
Objectives
Fracture non-union poses a significant challenge to treating orthopaedic surgeons. These patients often require multiple surgical procedures. The incidence of complications after Autologous Bone Graft (ABG) harvesting has been reported up to 44%. These complications include persistent severe donor site pain, infection, heterotopic ossification and antalgic gait. We retrospectively compared the use of BMP-7 alone in long bone fracture Non-union, with patients in whom BMP-7 was used in combination with the Autologous Bone Graft (ABG).
Material and Methods
The databases of our dedicated Limb Reconstruction Unit were searched for patient with three common long bone fractures Non-unions (Tibia, Femur and Humerus). The patients who had intra-operative use of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP-7) alone and in combination with ABG were evaluated. 53 Patients had combined use of ABG and BMP-7, and 65 patients had BMP-7 alone.
Results
In the ABG and BMP-7 group, the union rate for femoral (n=18) Non-unions was 83%, for humeral (n=16) Non-unions 81%, and for tibia (n=19) Non-unions it was 47%. In the BMP-7 alone group, 83% of the femoral (n=12) Non-unions, 87% of the humeral (n=16) and 56% of the tibial (n=37) Non-unions healed. The common risk factors for Non-union were comparable in both the groups and included location and nature (open vs closed) of fracture, infection, smoking and NSAIDs use. The average time to union in ABG+BMP-7 group was 8.1 months (range 3-30 months) and in BMP-7 alone group it was 7.2 months (range 3-24 months).
Conclusion
Autologous Bone Grafting has a pivotal role in limb reconstruction surgery but its indication should be carefully evaluated in view of considerable morbidity associated with graft donor site. Our study did not show any significant difference in the union rates of common long bone fracture Non-unions treated with BMP-7 alone or with a combination of Autologous Bone Graft and BMP-7.
