Novel Vacuum-Assisted Method for Harvesting Autologous Cancellous Bone Graft and Bone Marrow From the Proximal Tibial Metaphysis

Abstract

Background: Autogenous cancellous bone graft and bone marrow aspirate are commonly used in lower extremity fusion procedures to enhance fusion potential, and frequently in revision situations where bone loss and osteolysis may be a feature. The tibial metaphysis is a common donor site for bone graft, with the procedure typically performed using a curette or trephine to harvest the cancellous bone. Some limitations of this technique include suboptimal harvest of the marrow portion in particular, incomplete graft harvest, and loss of graft material during the harvest process. We describe a novel vacuum-assisted bone harvesting device to acquire cancellous bone and marrow from the proximal tibia. Methods: This is a retrospective study of a single surgeon’s consecutive patients who underwent foot and ankle arthrodesis procedures using proximal tibia autograft obtained using a vacuum-assisted bone harvesting device. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient and operative characteristics and outcomes. We identified 9 patients with a mean age of 51 years, 4 of whom were female. Results: On average, the skin incision was slightly more than 2 cm, and 27 mL of solid graft and 16 mL of liquid phase aspirate were collected. At 6 weeks after the procedure, there was minimal to no pain at the donor site, and we did not observe any fractures or other complications. Conclusions: We report the use of a novel vacuum-assisted curette device to harvest bone graft from the proximal tibial metaphysis for use in foot and ankle fusions. This device has been reliable and efficient in clinical practice. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.