The use of allograft as a bone graft substitute in patients with congenital spine deformities

J Pediatr Orthop. 2007 Sep;27(6):686-9. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0b013e318093f50d.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of using allograft bone as a substitute for iliac crest bone graft when treating pediatric patients with congenital spine deformities. We performed a retrospective review of 107 pediatric patients who underwent instrumentation and arthrodesis using allograft for congenital spine deformity between 1995 and 2002. Pseudoarthrosis was defined as implant failure, a clear radiographic pseudoarthrosis, or any loss of correction more than 10 degrees from the immediate postoperative radiographs to the final follow-up radiographs. The pseudoarthrosis rate in this series was 2.8%, and the infection rate was 0.9%. We conclude that freeze-dried corticocancellous allograft is a safe and effective alternative to iliac crest bone graft in this patient population.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arthrodesis / methods*
  • Bone Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Bone Transplantation / methods*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Congenital Abnormalities / surgery*
  • Freeze Drying
  • Humans
  • Ilium / transplantation
  • Infant
  • Pseudarthrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Pseudarthrosis / etiology
  • Radiography
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spine / abnormalities*
  • Spine / surgery*
  • Transplantation, Homologous / adverse effects
  • Transplantation, Homologous / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome