Cortico-Cancellous bone graft harvested from the anterior iliac crest by the conventional open method is
associated with more morbidity and is more time consuming as compared to the percutaneous method using
trephine biopsy needle. The aim of the study was to determine whether cancellous bone graft harvested from
anterior iliac crest using trephine biopsy needle consistently achieved bone union in comminuted fractures
and fractures of more than 3 weeks duration of radius and ulna and also to determine the morbidity at the
donor site.
Autogenous cancellous bone graft was harvested percutaneously from 28 iliac crests in 16 patients and
applied at fracture sites of 30 forearm bones using a 4mm trephine biopsy needle after the fratures had been
fixed with plate and screws. The patients were followed up regularly upto 6 to 9 months post - operatively in
the OPD to determine the union status of the fractured bones and the morbidity at the donor site.
29 of the 30 fractures of the forearm bones united without any problems. The shaft of a trephine got bent
during the harvesting procedure at the beginning of the study due to improper technique.
Cancellous bone graft harvested from the anterior iliac crest results in predictable good union results in
comminuted fractures of forearm bones and also fractures presenting after 3 weeks of injury. It is also an
easier and quicker way of harvesting bone graft and is associated with lesser morbidity and earlier recovery
as compared to conventional open method.
Key Words: Bone graft, trephine, fracture of radius and ulna morbidit
