Osteosynthesis and allogeneic bone grafting in complex osteoporotic fractures

Thirty patients with osteoporotic fractures were treated operatively. An al logeneic bone transplant was used in combination with a conventional osteos ynthesis in each patient. The bone graft was pulverized in a bone mill and used as a substitute graft to fill the bone defect, add stability, and enha nce bone union. Fractures healed without complications in 20 patients. The osteosynthesis failed in 4 patients. The fracture failed to unite in an add itional 3 patients. One deep infection occurred. A biopsy taken from the al logeneic bone at plate removal after fracture union demonstrated mature bon e and new bone formation. The use of pulverized allograft bone for large bo ne defects in patients with osteoporotic fractures yields acceptable result s with no adverse effects.