Efficacy of bone grafts in jaw cystic lesions:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Bone grafts have been applied for many years in orthopedic surgery to assist with bone repair for defects or bone discontinuity caused by trauma and tumors as well as periodontal defects.Jaw cysts are another common benign disease of the maxillofacial region which may lead to pathological bone fracture,loss of teeth,and infection.However,whether bone grafts are beneficial for bone regeneration in jaw cystic lesions and when bone grafts should be used remains unclear.AIM To study the efficacy of bone grafts compared to spontaneous healing in the treatment of jaw cystic lesions.METHODS A literature search was performed in Medline,Cochrane Library and Embase to identify related articles published in English in the last ten years.The following key words and Me SH terms were used:“jaw cyst”,“cystic lesion”,“odontogenic cyst”,“periapical cyst”,“dentigerous cyst”,“follicular cyst”,“keratocyst”,“treatment”,“surgery”,“bone graft”,“enucleation”,“cystectomy”,and“bone regeneration”.Case reports,clinical trials,clinical studies,observational studies and randomized controlled trials were included.Study quality was evaluated.RESULTS Ten studies(n=10)met the inclusion criteria.Five studies reported spontaneous bone healing after enucleation,three studies investigated the efficacy of various bone grafts,and two randomized comparative studies focused on the comparison between spontaneous healing and bone grafting.Over 90%of bone regeneration occurred within 6 mo after bone grafting.The bone regeneration rate after cystectomy showed great variation,ranging from 50%to 100%after 6 mo,but reaching over 90%after 12 mo.CONCLUSION While the long-term superiority of bone grafting compared with spontaneous healing after cystectomy is unclear,bone grafts accelerate the process of healing and significantly increase bone quality.

Evaluation of Two Highly Porous Microcrystalline Biphasic Calcium Phosphate-Based Bone Grafts for Bone Regeneration: An Experimental Study in Rabbits

A biphasic bone grafting biomaterial based on a mixture of calcium phosphates and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) phases with high nanoporosity was synthesized. The synthesis route was based on calcium phosphate composition and the incorporation of glycolic acid as a pore former, giving a material composed of 97% β-TCP and 3% calcium orthophosphates (CaPO4). An in vitro study of the purity, microstructure, crystalline domain, and pores size for the material obtained was performed by SEM analysis as well as full structural characterization. The region of interest related to the surface was determined by the specific surface area measured with the BET method. In vivo evaluation of bone response was performed by implanting the new low-cost biphasic manufacturing material synthesized in this work, which was compared with a biphasic material of similar chemical and microstructural composition existing in the commercial market and with higher cost called Synergy Odontit® β-TCP. The materials were implanted separately into 5 mm diameter defects in the tibias of New Zealand White rabbits at 30, 60, and 90 days. The results obtained showed that the host tissue well accepted the new biphasic material;the presence of new bone formation was observed. A more complete resorption was observed for the new microcrystalline biphasic material compared to for a commercial β-TCP material.

Tailoring Resorption Rates and Osteogenic Response in Xeno-Hybrid Bone Grafts: The Effect of Added Gelatins

Bone defects resulting from trauma,surgery,congenital malformations,and other factors are among the most common health problems nowadays.Although current strategies such as autografts and allografts are recognized as the most successful treatments for stimulating bone regeneration,limitations such as graft source and complications still exist.SmartBone?is a xeno-hybrid bone graft(made from bovine bone matrix,poly(L-lactic-co-e-caprolactone),and gelatin)with a positive clinical record for bone regen-eration.In this study,the formulation for designing xeno-hybrid bone grafts using gelatins from different sources(bovine-and porcine-derived gelatin,with bone grafts named SBN and SPK,respectively)was investigated,and the biological responses were evaluated in vitro and in vivo.The results demonstrate that gelatins from both bovine and porcine sources can be loaded onto SmartBone?successfully and safely,withstanding the aggressive manufacturing processes.Different bone cell responses were observed in vitro.SBN was found to enhance osteocalcin secretion while SPK was found to upregulate osteopontin from human osteoblasts.In vivo,both bone grafts promoted osteogenesis,but SPK degraded earlier than SBN.Our findings suggest that SBN and SPK provide different yet comparable solutions for optimizing the bone resorption and regeneration balance.These xeno-hybrid bone grafts possess ideal potential for bone defect repairing.

Comparative Evaluation of Ozone Treatment in Critical Size Bone Defects Reconstructed with Alloplastic Bone Grafts

The purpose of this study was to investigate osteogenesis promoted by osteoconductive properties of bone grafting materials and the histopathological effects of ozone on osteogenesis. In total, 56 Winstar rats were equally divided into 4 groups. In control group, calvarial bone defect was created in 14 rats. For second group, 8 mm calvarial bone defect with ozone treatment was applied in 14 rats. For third group, an alloplastic bone graft was implanted on 8 mm calvarial bone defect. In fourth group, alloplastic bone graft was inserted in calvarial defect and ozone was treated additionally. Seven of the rats were sacrificed at the end of 4th week and the remaining 7 were sacrificed at the end of 8th week of experiment. In the study, the periosteal flaps were removed with a thin periosteal elevator and averagely 0.8 cm diameter-circular full bone defect was created with a specially designed trephine drill. The bone from the calvarial region was fixed in 10% formalin solution. After decalcification, bones were taken for routine paraffin blocking. Sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson Trichrome. Histopathological findings of 4th and 8th weeks rats showed that best result for new bone formation was observed in graft + ozone treatment. It is concluded that ozone treatment increases the hemostasis in graft region, induces angiogenesis, promotes cell proliferation by preventing infiltration, induces matrix formation by influencing osteoblastic activity and has a positive effect in osteogenesis.

Is there a connection between synthetic bone grafts and sisters chromatide exchange?

Background: In oral and maxillofacial surgery, synthetic bone grafts are most widely used as bone substitutes, due to the limited sources of autologous bone. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of three different synthetic bone grafts (Cerasorb, Fortoss and Perioglass) on sisters chromatide exchanges (SCEs) in peripheral lymphocytes. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples taken from 68 patients (45 females and 23 males), who underwent oral surgery procedures, such as apical resection, cyst enucleation or periodontal curretage, were obtained for SCE a day before and two months after the surgeries. A control group included 30 patients, while the study group was made of the patients who underwent bone grafting with Cerasorb? (11 patients), Fortoss? VITAL (10 patients) or Perioglass? (17 patients). Results: Comparing with the results of the study group before and after the treatment, it was concluded that the results were statistically significant (p = 0.001). In the Perioglass? subgroup, a greater statistical significance (p = 0.003) was noted, than that in either the Cerasorb? (p = 0.620) or Fortoss? (p = 0.210) subgroups, in which there was no statistical significance. Conclusions: Although further investigations may be necessary, our results suggest that the synthetic bone grafts might have an influence on SCE in peripheral lymphocytes.

Histological Assessment of Bone Regeneration in the Maxilla with Homologous Bone Graft:A Feasible Option for Maxillary Bone Reconstruction

Bone biomaterials have been increasingly used to reconstruct maxillary atrophic ridges.Thus,the aim of this study was to evaluate bone reconstruction in the maxilla using a homologous cortico-cancellous FFB(lyophilized)graft and verify its reliability.Eight individuals were included from 2014 to 2018.The first surgery was performed to install homologous bone blocks in the maxilla.The period of the second intervention varied between 5 months and 15 days to 11 months(≈7.93 months).The biopsies were taken from the central region of the matured graft during the surgery for implant placement.All patients presented clinical and radiographic conditions for the installation of dental implants.There was a 100%of survival rate.The histological assessment showed that the homologous block bone graft was an osteoconductive biomaterial,with connective tissue present,and newly formed bone juxtaposed on its surface.There were bone trabeculae with osteocytes and active osteoblasts with connective tissue in the mineralization process;the remodeling process can be found through the reverse lines.A limited focus of necrosis with fibrosis was detected,with small resorption and areas of inflammatory infiltrate,but without clinical significance.The homologous block bone graft can be considered a feasible option to substitute the autogenous bone graft(gold standard),with predictable clinical and favorable histological results.The patients had a shorter surgical period,low morbidity,and an unlimited amount of biomaterial available at an accessible cost.

Spoon-assisted autologous particulate bone graft harvesting technique

Particulate bone plays a crucial role in various oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures,including reconstruction,implantation,and craniofacial surgery.Autologous bone and deproteinized bovine bone xenografts are the two primary resources used for such procedures,with the former demonstrating superior cost-effectiveness and reduced comorbidity rates,particularly in cases involving donor zones.However,a significant challenge lies in acquiring uniformly sized autologous particulate bone specimens,with existing tools often yielding coarse particles at a high cost.Consequently,commercial bone xenograft solutions are frequently favored despite lower standards.This technical note introduces a novel technique for swiftly,safely,and efficiently obtaining autologous particulate bone specimens.The procedure involves the use of a motor handpiece fitted with a micro drill and surgical spoon to collect the bone particles.The continuous irrigation with saline maintains a clear surgical field during the milling process.The collected bone particles are then transferred to a metal capsule for further use.This technique offers a promising solution to the challenge of inconsistent particle size associated with harvesting using traditional methods,providing surgeons with a reliable and efficient method of obtaining autologous particulate bone samples.

Epdemiology and Treatment of Pseudarthrosis of Long Bones in the Servce D Orthopedics-Traumatology of the University Hospital of Donka

Introduction: Pseudarthrosis (PSA) of the diaphysis of long bones still remains a current problem, despite improvements in the treatment of these fractures. Our study aims to study the epidemiological and therapeutic aspects of PSA of the diaphysis of long bones. Method: This retrospective work concerns 30 cases of non-union of the diaphysis of long bones treated in the orthopedic and trauma surgery department at Donka National Hospital, during a period of 18 months from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Results: We recruited 30 patients, 80% of whom were male, with an average age of 39.9 years. Public road accidents (AVP) represented the main cause of fractures of the diaphysis of long bones 87%, they were open in 25 cases or 83%. The fractures were located in the middle 1/3 of the diaphysis of the long bones in 50% of cases. Treatment of initial fractures was traditional in 21 cases, orthopedic in 2 cases and surgical in 7 cases. It was aseptic nonunion in 28 cases (93%) and septic nonunion in 2 cases. They were hypertrophic in 7 cases, slightly hypertrophic in 5 cases, oligotrophic in 11 cases, atrophic in 6 cases and with bone defect in 1 case. The treatment was based on osteosynthesis including 16 cases of screwed “PV” plate: 7 cases of centromedullary “ECM” nailing, 2 cases of external fixator, 1 case of broaching and 4 cases of Plastering. The results according to ASAMI criteria on an anatomical level were excellent in 19 cases, good in 3 cases and poor in 3 cases, with a union rate of 76%. And 5 patients undergoing consolidation. Conclusion: Based on the literature data and the experience of our department, the true treatment of PSA requires correct management of the initial fracture without forgetting the interest in preventing AVP which appears to be an element essential, making it possible to reduce the incidence of fractures of the diaphysis.

The Effect of Transverse Tibial Bone Transfer in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot

To analyse the effectiveness of performing a transverse tibial bone graft in the treatment of patients with diabetic foot. We retrospectively analysed the clinical details of 51 diabetic foot patients in our hospital from February 2023 to February 2024 and divided them into two groups according to the different treatment modalities, in which the control group received open debridement and the treatment group received transverse tibial bone transfer and compared the differences between the two groups. There were large differences in VAS score, Toronto Clinical Symptom Score, quality of life score, internal lumen diameter, blood flow velocity in the affected limb, perfusion volume, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor and CRP between the two groups after surgery (P < 0.05). Patients with diabetic foot should be treated with transverse tibial bone grafting, which is safer and more effective and can have a significant impact on improving the status of the affected limb, the inflammation and the patient’s quality of life.

Implementing P-15/ABM Bone Graft as a Standardized Technique for Lumbar Fusion Approaches

Introduction: Lumbar fusion as low back pain treatment continues to be a challenge because of the multiple techniques and materials available, most popular techniques include Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). Successful lumbar fusion is associated with better clinical outcomes, and it is enhanced and targeted through the use of bone graft materials as an osteogenic cell binding peptide P-15, bound to an anorganic bone mineral (ABM). This peptide improves bone formation when used in fixation devices in a targeted and limited way to the implant surface by activating osteoblast precursor cells;by the osteogenic, osteoinductive and osteoconductive stimuli. The main objective of this study is to standardize the lumbar fusion process in the 3 techniques and achieve a more efficient and predictable lumbar fusion, evaluating results with radiological and clinical scales. Material and Methods: Patients underwent lumbar fusion with the use of P-15 Osteogenic Cell Binding Peptide, bound to an anorganic bone mineral (P-15/ABM) bone graft (5 cc) in three different techniques (TLIF, LLIF, ALIF), achieving a total of 100 lumbar levels. Radiological outcomes included fusion rates per Hounsfield Units at computed tomography (CT) scan and Lenke scale. Clinical outcomes were evaluated via the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short Form Performance (SPF-36) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS and VASs) for pain and satisfaction. Results: 67 patients completed the 12 months follow-up, showing no differences in fusion rates between techniques. (Computed Tomography Hounsfield Units) CTHU reaches more than 200 UH at 3 months follow-up and continues fusion process till 12-month follow-up. Clinical scales showed no disability at ODI, improvement at VAS and VASs scales, absence of health restrictions at SPF-36 score since 6 months follow up. Conclusion: Bone graft volume of 5 cc is adequate for achieving successful lumbar fusion, regardless of the surgical technique employed.

Bone grafts and biomaterials substitutes for bone defect repair:A review

Bone grafts have been predominated used to treat bone defects,delayed union or non-union,and spinal fusion in orthopaedic clinically for a period of time,despite the emergency of synthetic bone graft substitutes.Nevertheless,the integration of allogeneic grafts and synthetic substitutes with host bone was found jeopardized in long-term follow-up studies.Hence,the enhancement of osteointegration of these grafts and substitutes with host bone is considerably important.To address this problem,addition of various growth factors,such as bone morphogenetic proteins(BMPs),parathyroid hormone(PTH)and platelet rich plasma(PRP),into structural allografts and synthetic substitutes have been considered.Although clinical applications of these factors have exhibited good bone formation,their further application was limited due to high cost and potential adverse side effects.Alternatively,bioinorganic ions such as magnesium,strontium and zinc are considered as alternative of osteogenic biological factors.Hence,this paper aims to review the currently available bone grafts and bone substitutes as well as the biological and bio-inorganic factors for the treatments of bone defect.

Structural bone allografts with intramedullary vascularized fibular autografts for the treatment of massive bone defects in extremities

Objective:To report the clinical outcome of repairing massive bone defects biologically in limbs by homeochronous using structural bone allografts with intramedullary vascularized fibular autografts. Methods: From January 2001 to December 2005, large bone defects in 19 patients (11 men and 8 women, aged 6 to 35 years) were repaired by structural bone allografts with intramedullary vascularized fibular autografts in the homeochronous period. The range of the length of bone defects was 11 to 25 cm (mean 17.6 cm), length of vascularized free fibular was 15 to 29 cm (mean 19.2 cm), length of massive bone allografts was 11 to 24 cm (mean 17.1 cm). Location of massive bone defects was in humerus(n=1), in femur(n=9) and in tibia(n=9), respectively. Results: After 9 to 69 months (mean 38.2 months) follow-up, wounds of donor and recipient sites were healed inⅠstage, monitoring-flaps were alive, eject reaction of massive bone allografts were slight, no complications in donor limbs. Fifteen patients had the evidence of radiographic union 3 to 6 months after surgery, 3 cases united 8 months later, and the remained one case of malignant synovioma in distal femur recurred and amputated the leg 2.5 months, postoperatively. Five patients had been removed internal fixation, complete bone unions were found one year postoperatively. None of massive bone allografts were absorbed or collapsed at last follow-up. Conclusion: The homeochronous usage of structural bone allograft with an intramedullary vascularized fibular autograft can biologically obtain a structure with the immediate mechanical strength of the allograft, a potential result of revascularization through the vascularized fibula, and accelerate bone union not only between fibular autograft and the host but also between massive bone allograft and the host.

Reconstruction of extremity long bone defects with vascularized fibula bone grafts

Aim: Composite tissue defects encompassing bone and/or isolated bony defects can pose a surgical challenge;however, their reconstruction is critical for successful functional limb salvage. These cases become increasingly problematic as secondary defects, following multiple nonvascularized grafting attempts resulting in complex bony nonunion. Herein, our experience utilizing fibula vascularized bone grafts (VBGs) for bone restoration will be presented to demonstrate their utility in a variety of reconstructions for limb salvage. Methods: This is a case series describing a series of vascularized fibula grafts for extremity reconstruction performed by a single academic surgeon over multiple institutions in seven years. Results: Twenty-seven (27) total VBGs met inclusion criteria and underwent reconstruction for traumatic (16), oncologic (6) and chronic degenerative (5) etiologies. Bony union was achieved in 26 of 27 cases. Conclusion: The decision-making process for bony reconstruction in these scenarios is difficult and multivariable. Fibula VBGs can provide a single-stage solution for autologous bony and soft tissue replacement of large or complex bone defects and can often be superior options compared with non-vascularized bone grafts or non-bone internal fixation techniques. Their osteogenic potential is unmatched by allogenic or synthetic substitutions. These benefits are evident in a variety of clinical settings such as pediatrics, oncology and trauma.

Treatment of proximal humeral fractures accompanied by medial calcar fractures using fibular autografts:A retrospective,comparative cohort study

BACKGROUND Severe proximal humerus comminuted fractures are often accompanied by medial calcar comminuted fractures and loss of medial support,which are important factors that lead to internal fixation failure.The appropriate treatment for proximal humerus comminuted fractures has not been established.Therefore,this study assessed the outcomes of using a fibular autograft with locking plates to treat severe proximal humerus comminuted fractures.AIM To investigate the outcomes of using a fibular autograft with locking plates to treat severe proximal humerus comminuted fractures.METHODS This retrospective,comparative cohort study included two groups of patients.Group 1 comprised 22 patients and group 2 comprised 25 patients with complete follow-up data.Group 1 was treated with a fibular autograft with open reduction and locking plates to enable internal fixation.Group 2 was treated with open reduction and locking plates to enable internal fixation.The intraoperative blood loss volume from the shoulder wound,operative time,shoulder wound pain,bone fracture healing time,Constant-Murley score of the shoulder joint,preoperative Holden walking function score,Mallet score of the shoulder joint,and humeral neck-shaft angle during surgery of the two groups were compared,and the differences were analysed using an independent sample t-test.RESULTS Group 1 had a shorter mean operative time than group 2(2.25±0.30 h vs 2.76±0.44 h;P=0.000).Group 1 had a lower shoulder wound pain score on the first day after surgery than group 2(7.91±1.15 points vs 8.56±1.00 points;P=0.044).Group 1 had a shorter fracture healing time than group 2(2.68±0.48 mo vs 3.64±0.64 mo;P=0.000).Group 1 had higher Constant-Murley scores of the shoulder joint at 3,6,and 12 mo after surgery than group 2(76.64±4.02 points vs 72.72±3.02 points,86.36±3.53 points vs 82.96±3.40 points,and 87.95±2.77 points vs 84.68±2.63 points,respectively;P=0.000,0.002,and 0.000,respectively).Group 1 had higher Mallet scores of the shoulder joint at 3,6,and 12 mo after surgery than group 2(10.32±0.57 points vs 9.96±0.54 points,13.36±1.00 points vs 12.60±0.87 points,and 13.91±0.75 points vs 13.36±0.70 points,respectively;P=0.032,0.007,and 0.013,respectively).CONCLUSION Using locking plates with a fibular autograft can recreate medial support,facilitate fracture healing,and improve shoulder function;therefore,this may be an effective treatment option for severe proximal humerus comminuted fractures.

Locked Posterior Shoulder Dislocation with Impression Fracture Treated All Arthroscopically with the Use of an Allograft Bone Block: A Case Report

Background: Locked posterior shoulder dislocations are uncommon and possess many difficulties in diagnosis. They are often overlooked during the initial examination and delayed diagnosis adversely affects healing process. Apart from many open treatment options, there are reports of single attempts to treat such cases arthroscopically. Purpose: We present an original case of a posterior locked dislocation of the shoulder joint with a fracture of the lesser tuberosity followed by reverse Hill-Sachs fracture, treated in a novel fashion all-arthroscopically with the use of allogenic bone graft. Method: According to Constant Shoulder Score that tries to assess functional and subjective performance of the shoulder joint before the operation and after 12 months, we achieved a leap from 11 to 84. Results: The patient restored almost full range of motion and painless movement in activities of daily life as well as during sports. Conclusion: The use of an arthroscope reduces the invasiveness of the procedure, improves visualization of the joint and allows augmentation of the bone loss without performing an open approach. We believe that this is a promising method of treatment for selected cases of locked posterior shoulder dislocation.

The Use of Autologous Tibia Strut Graft to Enhance Bone Healing of an Infected Long-Bone Nonunion

We treated five patients with an infected non-union of the femur and tibia with autologous tibia strut grafts. All patients had bone defects ranging from three to nine centimeters. Three patients suffered for more than seven years from chronic osteitis. Our objective was to describe this grafting technique and its results. We focussed on healing time, postoperative complications and functional recovery. We retrospectively studied five patients with an infected non-union of the lower limb who had undergone previous surgeries to overcome the bone healing problem. In this group of patients, we had four femur non-union and one tibia non-union. All of them had a previous infection episode, in which medical and surgical therapy was needed. Of the participants, three were men, and two were females with a mean age of 43.3 years (28 - 55).

Surgical Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Using Minimally Invasive Surgical Drilling and Cancellous Grafting at Brazzaville University Hospital

Introduction: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONTF) is a debilitating condition. Several treatments have been proposed with controversial results. The aim of our study was to evaluate treatment by surgical drilling coupled with in situ cancellous grafting. Materials and methods: Our study was a case-control study conducted at Brazzaville University Hospital from 1st January 2018 to 31 December 2023. It compared two groups of patients with ONTF: non-operated (13 patients, 20 hips) and operated (22 patients, 35 hips). We used the visual digital scale (VDS) for pain assessment, the Merle D’Aubigne-Postel (MDP) scoring system for clinical and functional assessment, and the evolution of necrosis. Results: The group of non-operated patients had a mean age of 35.69 ± 3.4 years, no improvement in pain with an EVN above seven at the last recoil and a mean global MDP score falling from 12.7 before offloading to 10.13 at one year. The group of patients operated on had a mean age of 37.86 ± 7.02 years, a significant reduction in pain (p = 0.00004) and a significantly increased MDP score (p = 0.0034). A comparison of the two groups of patients showed significant stabilization of the necrotic lesions in the operated patients (p = 0.00067), with better satisfaction in the same group. Conclusion: Surgical drilling combined with grafting in the treatment of early-stage ONTF has improved progress in our series. The technique is reproducible and less invasive. It has made it possible to delay unfavorable progression and, consequently, hip replacement surgery.

Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunion: Pedicled Vascularized Bone Graft vs. Traditional Bone Graft

The clinical results of the application of pedicled vascularized bone graft （VBG） from Lister＇s tubercle vs. traditional bone graft （TBG） were evaluated and compared. Thirteen cases of symptomatic scaphoid nonunion were treated between January 2011 and December 2012, including 7 cases subject to VBG and the rest 6 cases to TBG, respectively. Outcomes were assessed by modified Mayo wrist score system. All cases were followed up for an average period of 3.5 months after opera- tion. The results showed that total scores in VBG group were 86.4i9.4 after operation with excellent result in 4 cases, good in 2 and acceptable in one, and those in TBG group were 71.7±9.3 after operation with good result in 2 cases, acceptable in 3 and disappointing in one. Total score of wrist function was significantly improved in VBG group as compared with TBG group （P〈0.05）. Our study suggests that VBG method is more effective for treating scaphoid nonunion than TBG method.

Treatment of Thoracolumbar Vertebrate Fracture by Transpedicular Morselized Bone Grafting in Vertebrae for Spinal Fusion and Pedicle Screw Fixation

To enhance the fusion of graft bone in thoracolumbar vertebrae and minimize the postoperative loss of correction, short-segment pedicle screw fixation was reinforced with posterior moselizee bone grafting in vertebrae for spinal fusion in patients with thoracrolumbar vertebrate fractures. Seventy patients with thoracrolumbar vertebrate fractures were treated by short-segment pedicle screw fixation and were randomly divided into two groups. Fractures in group A （n=20） were rein-forced with posterior morselized bone grafting in vertebrae for spinal fusion, while patients group B （n=50） did not receive the morselized bone grafting for bone fusion. The two groups were compared in terms of kyphotic deformity, anterior vertebral height, instrument failure and neurological functions after the treatment. Frankel grading system was used for the evaluation of neurological evaluation and Denis scoring scale was employed for pain assessment. The results showed that the kyphosis correction was achieved in both group A and group B （group A： 6.4 degree; group B： 5.4 degree）/At the end of follow-up, kyphosis correction was maintained in group A but lost in group B （P=0.0001）. Postoperatively, greater anterior height was achieved in group A than in group B （P〈0.01）. During follow-up study, anterior vertebral height was maintained only in Group A （P〈0.001）. Both group A and group B showed good Denis pain scores （P1 and P2） but group A outdid group B in terms of control of severe and constant pain （P4 and P5）. By Frankel criteria, the changes in neurological functions in group A was better than those of group B （P〈0.001）. It is concluded that reinforcement of short-segment pedicle fixation with morselized bone grafting for the treatment of patients with thoracolumbar vertebrae fracture could achieve and maintain kyphosis correction, and it may also increase and maintain anterior vertebral height. Morselized bone grafting in vertebrae offers immediate spinal stability in patients with thoracolumbar vertebrate fractures, decreases the instrument failure and provides better postoperative pain control than without the morselized bone grafting.

Correction of mandibular deficiency by inverted-L osteotomy of ramus and iliac crest bone grafting

This study was to describe the use of inverted-L osteotomy of ramus and lilac bone graft for the management of mandibular deficiency in adult patients. From 2008 to 2010, 11 patients （aged 19 to 29 years） with mandibular deficiency underwent intraoral or extraoral inverted-L osteotomy of ramus and lilac crest bone grafting. Data were collected from the patients＇ records, photographs and radiographs. The height and width of the ramus were successfully expanded by inverted-L osteotomy and lilac crest bone grafting with minimal complications in all patients, resulting in significant improvement in occlusion and facial appearance. Our early results showed that the inverted-L osteotomy of ramus and lilac crest bone grafting is safe and effective, and should be considered as a good alternative for the patients with mandibular deficiency.