Autologous Bone Grafts Use in Orthopaedic Practice in Abuja

Abstract

Background: There is widespread use of autologous bone grafts in orthopaedic practice in Nigeria but detailed indications, donor sites and complications following use have not been reported in different regions.
Objective: This is to highlight the indications, sources and complications of autologous bone grafts use in Abuja, Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective case series of patients operated on between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2008 for various orthopaedic pathologies at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada. All patients who received autologous bone grafts were included in this study. Details of indications, donor sites and complications were obtained.
Result: A total of 62 patients received autologous bone grafts during the study period. The male: female ratio was 4.2: 1 with mean age of 38.2 ±6.3years. The main indication was nonunion of long bones following fractures. Majority of the grafts were taken from the iliac crest and pain was the commonest complication noted. Majority of the patients were satisfied with the procedure.
Conclusion: Autologous bone grafts use is common in orthopaedic practice predominantly in young male adult. Femoral fracture nonunion was the commonest indication for autologous bone grafts use in Abuja. Iliac crest was the site most often employed while pain was the commonest complication following the procedure. The procedure was well tolerated.

Key words: autologous bone graft, non-union, iliac crest, pain