Autogenous bone graft in the management of post-osteomyelitis bone defects in children in a limited-resource setting – a retrospective cohort study with a minimum follow-up of 7 years

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Post-osteomyelitis bone defects represent a challenging clinical situation. This retrospective cohort study was designed to evaluate the long-term outcome of the use of non-vascularized bone grafts in the management of such defects in children. <s...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: A. Loro, F. Franceschi, M. M. Fisha, E. Ewochu, G. Mwanje, A. Dal Lago, M. McNally
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of Bone and Joint Infection
Online Access:https://jbji.copernicus.org/articles/10/155/2025/jbji-10-155-2025.pdf
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Summary:<p><strong>Background.</strong> Post-osteomyelitis bone defects represent a challenging clinical situation. This retrospective cohort study was designed to evaluate the long-term outcome of the use of non-vascularized bone grafts in the management of such defects in children. <strong>Methods.</strong> Twenty-three children (mean age 7 years, range 2–13 years) were studied. All of the defects were segmental (mean defect length 6 cm, range 3–12 cm), involving the tibia, femur, humerus and radius. Fifteen children presented with an active infection and were managed with a staged protocol. The first stage included sequestrectomy or debridement of the site. The second stage, i.e. the graft procedure, was performed after 12 weeks on average. The mean follow-up was 9.2 years (range 7–15 years). <strong>Results.</strong> Bone union was primarily achieved in 14 children (61 %). Complications were experienced in the remaining nine children. Conservative and surgical treatment led to bone union in all patients within 5 years of the index procedure. Recurrence of infection was observed in two patients (8.7 %). All of the children were able to use the limb at the final follow-up; only three required the use of a brace. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> Autogenous non-vascularized bone graft may be considered a valid option in the treatment of bone defects secondary to osteomyelitis in children.</p>
ISSN:2206-3552