DEMINERALIZED BONE POWDER - CLINICAL-APPLICATIONS FOR BONE DEFECTS OFTHE HAND

The results of 20 consecutive cases of bone defects of the hand treate d by curettage and implantation of demineralized bone powder compare w ell with a similarly matched retrospective group managed with autogeno us grafts and curettage alone. Results revealed ''excellent'' (16 pati ents) or ''good'' bone healing (4 patients) in the bone powder group o n independent radiographic evaluation. Bone bridging was noted at an a verage of 9.9 weeks. All defects healed without recurrence, resorption or refracture, with follow-up of 4 to 36 months. In the conventionall y managed retrospective group there was a 25% failure rate necessitati ng re-operation. Demineralized bone powder provides a rapid, safe and effective method of management of bone defects of the hand.