Faculty Collaboration Database

Vascularized Olecranon Bone Graft: An Anatomical Study and Novel Technique. J Hand Surg Am 2020 Feb;45(2):157.e1-157.e6

Date

07/16/2019

Pubmed ID

31303364

DOI

10.1016/j.jhsa.2019.05.014

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85068583583 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   5 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: Autologous bone grafting is commonly used in reconstructive hand surgery. Various sources of nonvascularized autologous bone grafts have been described in the literature. However, in some situations, a vascularized bone graft may be needed. Popular vascularized bone grafts are taken from the distal radius, iliac crest, and medial femoral condyle. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of harvesting a free vascularized bone flap from the proximal ulna.

METHODS: Latex was injected via the brachial artery to facilitate visualization of perforators in 10 cadaveric specimens. Dissections were performed of the olecranon; all periosteal perforators were noted, and their lengths and diameters recorded. Corticocancellous bone flaps with their supplying pedicles were harvested. Three additional fresh specimens were injected with india ink via the pedicles to demonstrate perfusion of the harvested bone flap.

RESULTS: Consistent vascular anatomy supplied the olecranon. A perforator from the posterior ulnar recurrent artery supplied the proximal ulna and olecranon, from which a vascularized bone flap can be harvested. Branches to the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle may allow chimeric flaps to be harvested. Average pedicle length was 5.8 cm and average pedicle diameter was 2.4 mm. India ink injection of the pedicles showed perfusion of the periosteum as well as intraosseous cancellous bone.

CONCLUSIONS: A vascularized olecranon free flap can be harvested based on the posterior ulnar recurrent artery. Vascular anatomy is consistent and flap harvest is simple and straightforward in all cadaveric specimens.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A vascularized olecranon free flap represents a potential new surgical option when vascular bone flap reconstruction is considered.

Author List

Yang K, Boehm L, Rivedal D, Yan JG, Matloub H

Author

David Rivedal MD Assistant Professor in the Plastic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Bone Transplantation
Cadaver
Forearm
Humans
Olecranon Process
Ulna