Bone-transplants (heterogenous)

ABSTRACT

It is not intended here to describe the fate and ultimate absorption of the bone peg in detail, although it has been observed that the whole process of final incorporation of the peg takes place without much of discomfort into the recepient bone. No foreign protein reaction was ever observed, and also the peg was never seen to extrude. The only precaution required to be observed was that the peg should not exceed 3 mm in diameter and 4 to 5 cm in length. Any excess in the size of the bone peg other than the stated measurements, leads in my opinion, to a foreign body reaction and it is found that there is a surrounding inflammatory reaction, which is not due to a septic process. Hence the limitations of use is evident. As cited in the cases above, one thing stands out in common, and that is, the peg must be slender enough to be incorporated into the medullary cavity of a metacarpal or that of a radius, ulna or a drill hole of 2.5 mm in the case of medial malleolus of medial epicondyle of the humerus. Therefore, it is clear, that no extensive beef-bone plate or other stout pegs can be used with success. It is pointed out, that in these selected variety of fractures, use of a slender beef-bone peg is met with good results and good union. The following X-Ray pictures denote where the beef-bone pegs were used with satisfactory results.