BONE TRANSPLANTATION IN LARGE DIAPHYSEAL DEFECTS

The treatment of large diaphyseal defects has remained in the domain o f autologous bone transplanation, but has been substantially complemen ted by the Ilizarow technique. Bone formation following transplantatio n or segmental transport is controlled by three interacting mechanisms involving osteoregeneration, osteovascularization and osteostabilizat ion. All three components are equally important in the healing process of large cortical defects. Osteoregeneration is inseperably linked to an intact bone matrix. Therefore, entirely inorganic bone substitutes are not suitable for difficult conditions such as is the case diaphys eal defects.