The basic principle of fracture fixation has long been a good contact between fracture ends and acceptable overall alignment. However under certain special circumstances, one or both of these might not be possible. In badly shattered fractures, managing the defect at bone ends remains a dilemma. In older times, bone graft or surplus bone was harvested from patient hip bone and filled at the fracture site. This meant performing another surgery on an already traumatized person. A bone grafting causes more pain and is not without its own share of complications.
Bone Graft Substitutes
In view of all the above problems, in recent times artificial bone graft substitutes have become popular. They are available in various chemical composition and particle sizes. A bone grafting causes more pain and is not without its own share of complications. Some companies are even providing bone graft in fixed shapes like wedges and blocks. These bone grafts not only fill the gap; but also encourage new bone formation.
In badly shattered fractures, managing the defect at bone ends remains a dilemma. In older times, bone graft or surplus bone was harvested from patient hip bone and filled at the fracture site.
Presented here is a case of 61 yrs. old electrician with road traffic accident. He is a chronic smoker and alcoholic. He presented to triage with fracture distal both bone forearms with bad fracture in main wrist forming bone aka radius. The bone quality was very poor and therefore the shattering of radius was very bad. After fracture fixation with the locking plate, the bone defect filled with artificial bone successfully. These bone grafts not only fill the gap; but also encourage new bone formation. Even though the bone quality has been poor, the patient cooperated nicely and the bone graft is working well. He was able to go back to work in 2 months.