Management of Bone Nonunion with the Vascular Anastomotic Fetal Periosteum-Cortex Bone

Objective To report the therapeutic results of the treatment of nonunion of bones by the fetal periosteum-cortex bone grafting with vascular anastomosis. Methods [From 1994 to 1997, 19 cases of nonunion of bones were treated by the fetal periosteum-cortex bone grafting with vascular anastomosis (8 tibia, 5 proximal ulna, 3 distal humerus, 2 distal radius and 1 femur). Results All the 19 cases were followed up for more than one year. The bone nonunion reunited in 17 cases in 12～18 weeks, and the other 2 patients recovered in 23 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion The fetal periosteum-cortex bone grafting involves both the periosteum and the bone cortex. It can improve the repair of bone nonunion. Antigen-antibody reaction of the fetal periosteum-cortex bone grafting is poor. The new operation is secure and reliable, the surgery work is simple, and the transposition is nimble. The operation can be performed with only one incision, and adapt to the repair of nonunion or small limit bone defects.