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Use of allograft struts may increase infection rates, time to union
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During operative treatment of Vancouver B1 fractures, recent study results showed allograft struts should be used cautiously due to increased infection and time to union.
Researchers searched the Medline database and identified 37 studies representing 682 fractures between 1992 and 2012. Union data were available for 611 Vancouver B1 type fractures and 71 Vancouver C type fractures. The researchers compared treatment with and without allograft struts using various fixation techniques.
Similar percent union was seen for Vancouver B1 fractures treated with or without an allograft strut. However, among patients treated with allograft strut, the researchers found time to union was significantly increased at 6.6 months vs. 4.4 months without allograft strut (P < .001). Deep infection was 8.3% with allograft strut vs. 3.8% without; however, this was not considered statistically significant. Plate type and use of cerclage did not affect percent union and time to union.
Disclosure: Austin received royalties and is a paid consultant for Zimmer; is on the editorial board for the Journal of Arthroplasty and is on the Evidence Based Medicine Committee of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.
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