Olecranon Bone Graft: Revisited

Abstract

Autogenous bone grafts are frequently in use in the field of reconstructive upper extremity surgery. Cancellous bone grafts are applied to traumatic osseous defects, nonunions, defects after the resection of benign bone tumors, arthrodesis, and osteotomy procedures. Cancellous bone grafts do not only have benefits such as rapid revascularization, but they also have mechanical advantages. Despite the proximity to the primary surgical field, cancellous olecranon grafts have not gained the popularity they deserve in the field of reconstructive hand surgery. In this study, the properties, advantages, and technical details of harvesting cancellous olecranon grafts are discussed.

A New Option for the Reconstruction of Orbital Floor Defects

“…1,9,17 The olecranon bone graft is coming forward with its unique structural feature right at this point. Despite being a cancellous bone graft, 13,14 olecranon bone graft has considerable rigidity even after squeezing with cottle cartilage crusher. It protects its rigidity and can easily be shaped and molded by the surgeon.…”

“…1,3,4,9,17Y19 Two main donor sites used for this issue are iliac crest and calvarium. 1,8,10,13,20 The mandibular symphysis and maxillary wall are the other commonly used sources which was brought out as an alternative because of the disadvantages caused by the 2 major sources. 1,8 This information clearly demonstrates that no ideal autograft for the reconstruction of orbital f loor could be determined yet.…”

“…The cortical window was replaced to its donor defect and the periosteal f laps were sutured together before closing the skin incision. 13,14 In 3 cases, a T-shaped bone biopsy trephine was used for olecranon graft harvesting through a 1-cm incision over the bone as described in the article of Ö zçelik et al 16 After harvesting the olecranon bone graft, it was placed in a cottle cartilage crusher (Black and Black Surgical, Inc, Tucker, Ga) and squeezed by hitting the crusher with a hammer until obtaining suitable graft thickness and appropriate size for the reconstruction of the orbital f loor defect (Fig. 2).…”

Corticocancellous Olecranon Autograft for Metacarpal Defect Reconstruction: A Case Report

“…We recommend a longitudinal incision to allow for extending the length of the graft. Cancellous olecranon graft was shown to assist healing in phalangeal defects [11,13]. The presented technique is the first in which the cortical component of the proximal ulna is used to provide structural support.…”

Olecranon bone grafting in neglected forearm fractures

“…They also have the benefit of rapid re-vascularization. 4 There are very few reports about the use of olecranon bone grafts. 5,6 We prospectively studied the patients with neglected fracture of both bones of forearm treated with open reduction and internal fixation and olecranon bone grafts.…”