The cylindrical titanium mesh cage for treatment of a long bone segmental defect: Description of a new technique and report of two cases

This report describes a new technique for treatment of a segmental defect i n long bones that uses a cylindrical titanium mesh cage, in combination wit h cancellous bone allograft and demineralized bone matrix putty (Grafton), stabilized with a statically locked intramedullary nail. Two clinical cases of tibia defects treated with this technique are presented. At the one-yea r follow-up, radiographically both cases demonstrated excellent limb alignm ent, stability, and bony healing. Immediate full weight-bearing was initiat ed in each case, and early limb functional recovery was achieved. Prelimina ry data suggest that this technique may be a reasonable alternative to curr ently used methods for management of select long bone segmental defects.