Calvarial bone graft harvest: A new technique

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the use of a new calvarial bone graft-harve sting device (BHD), STUDY DESIGN: A total of 18 calvarial bone grafts (CBGs ) were harvested from 9 cadavers with the BHD, The recorded parameters incl uded drilling time, graft harvest time, graft size, graft integrity, and vi olation of the calvarial inner table. Five CBGs were subsequently harvested in vivo and used for 2 nasal reconstructions and 3 orbital reconstructions . RESULTS: The CBG dimensions ranged from 1.25 to 2.5 cm in width and 3.0 t o 16.0 cm in length, Graft harvest time ranged from 5 minutes, 55 seconds t o 25 minutes, 30 seconds (mean 13 minutes, 7 seconds), There were no fractu red grafts, The cadaveric inner table was violated twice with a cutting bur r, and 1 dural exposure occurred in the clinical study. CONCLUSION: Althoug h caution must be used with all CBGs, the BHD appears to be safe and more e fficient than osteotomes or oscillating saws.