Autogenous bone marrow grafting for the management of nonunion of tibia

Objective To investigate the effect of percutaneous bone marrow graftig on the management of nonunion of tibia.Methods From March 1996 to June 2000,56 cases with nonuion of tibia were treated by autogenous bone marrow grafting.A marrow needle was inserted into the site of the nonunion under the X ray and the bone marrow aspirated was injected into the site of nonunion.Compression bandage and appropriate fixation material were applied after operation.The procedure was repeated once in a monthe,2 or 3 times being needed.Results 56 cases were followed up for 4 months to 4.2 years,the average follow up duration being 2.8 years.53 cases of fracture were healed,X ray displaying fraction line disappeared and a great deal continuous callus formed.Failure occurred in 3 cases.Conclusion Percutaneous autogenous bone marrow grafting can play a role in osteogenesis at the site of nonunions.It is easy to aspirate bone marrow and the operation is simple.The effect is satisfactory.It has clinical application value.