Use of Drill Extract as Osteoconductive Bone Graft in Internal Fixation of Fracture of Long Bones

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to review the results of using bone chips as bone grafts in the management fractures of long bone. This autologous bone graft was harvested from the part of the healthy bone just adjacent to the fracture site by surgical drilling for the purpose of internal fixation. This technique of collection of bone pieces and their utilization is novel as no previous study on this technique is found in the literature.
Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted between August 2012 and February 2014. Total one hundred and two patients of long bone fractures were rigidly fixed internally on standard AO principles in King Edward Medical University/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore. In all these cases surgical drill extract was used as bone graft and was placed at the fracture site. Each operation was performed by the same surgical team. Healing was determined radiographically by the presence of trabeculations across the fracture.
Results: Majority 87 % of the operated fractures showed sign of healing after 12 weeks and 100% of fractures healed after 16 weeks. No patient included in the study showed signs of nonunion and deep infection.
Conclusion: Bone graft harvested from the native bone by surgical drill bit can be used efficiently in the management of long bone fractures in conjunction with the rigid internal fixation.