Bone grafting from the proximal tibia

Objective: ii retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the results of proximal tibial bone grafts with immediate postoperative weight bearing. Methods: Over a 2-year period, 54 patients underwent bone grafting harveste d from the proximal tibia, Postoperatively patients were allowed to bear we ight as tolerated on the donor site. Mean follow-up was 26.4 weeks, with a range of 6 to 80 weeks. Indications for bone grafting were fresh fractures with primary grafting and nonunions. Results: The overall complication rate was 1.9%, with one patient suffering a local hematoma. No major complications such as fracture, sensory deficit , or wound infection were observed. Immediate postoperative weight bearing did not have any deleterious effects. Higher complication rates for iliac g raft sites have been reported. The amount of bone that can be harvested is usually more than adequate. Conclusion: Complication rates are low without significant patient morbidit y. Most importantly, the patients may start weight bearing immediately afte r surgery.