The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
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J Am Acad Orthop Surg · Sep 2019
Comparative StudyAutogenous Iliac Crest Bone Grafting for the Treatment of Fracture Nonunion Is Equally Effective in Elderly and Nonelderly Patients.
Autogenous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) is considered the benchmark graft for nonunion repair. However, ICBG harvest is invasive and may provide reduced benefit to elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of ICBG use in fixation of fracture nonunions between elderly and nonelderly patients. ⋯ The use of ICBG in nonunion repair among elderly patients is as effective as use in younger patients with a long bone nonunion. Concerns of increased postoperative complications and decreased rate of union in elderly patients receiving ICBG for treatment of fracture nonunion should be alleviated. ICBG remains the benchmark graft for nonunion repair among all age groups.