Activated allograft combined with induced menbrane technique for the reconstruction of infected segmental bone defects

Abstract

This study was desinged to evaluate the efficacy and safety of activated allograft combined with the induced membrane technique for reconstruction of infected segment bone defects of lower limbs. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 19 patients from May 2015 to February 2017. After debridements, the bone defects were filled with antibiotic bone cement to form the induced membrane. Autologous mesenchymal stem cells were seeded onto allografts to construct activated allograft, which was implanted into the induced membrane after infection was controlled. The clinical efficacy and complications were observed. 19 patients with 20 infected segment bone defect were evaluated. The average deficit size was 11.08 (4–17) cm in length. After a mean follow-up of 71.84 (61–82) months, bone union was achieved in 16 patients (17 sites), resulting in a final union rate of 84.21% (16/19 patients). The average bone union time was 10.18 (5–28) months. There were 2 patients with recurrence of infection, 3 patients with graft absorption, and 1 patient with malunion due to implant breakage. There were no graft-related complications. This study provides clinical significance for the treatment of patients with insufficient autologous bone.