Pubic bone graft technique solves reconstructive surgery woes

Wednesday January 17, 2007 ins: Cosmetic Surgery News Tag(s):

Technorati Tags: cosmetic surgery, pubic bone, reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive will never be the same again with the discovery of a new technique that allows reconstructive surgeons to safely provide a source of bone for grafting. This new technique involves the use of the pubic bone, found at the front of the pelvis, for harvesting bone grafts necessary for reconstructive surgery of the face and jaws, and other areas.

SAWF News delivers the details:

Dr. John W. Polley and colleagues of Rush University Medical Center, Chicago developed their approach to harvesting pubic bone in a series of cadaver dissections. They found that the pubic bone, found at the front of the pelvis, could be easily reached through a small incision—about 1 inch. Just as importantly, minimal dissection of the soft tissue was necessary to expose the pubic bone and collect the cancellous bone (sponge-like interior bone) needed for grafting.

The researchers report on their initial experience with the pubic bone graft technique in a 10-year-old boy who needed follow-up surgery for a cleft palate defect. The procedure to collect the bone needed for grafting was quick and simple. The day after surgery the patient had little or no pain in the pubic area, which healed without problems.

The iliac crest is the standard site for harvesting bone grafts for reconstructive surgery in the face and jaws, as well as other areas. However, several types of complications can occur after the iliac crest donor procedure, including nerve injuries, pain problems, and scarring.

These problems could be avoided by using the pubic bone graft technique. First and foremost, the technique is less traumatic because it requires a very small incision with minimal dissection. Moreover, the risk of nerve injury is reduced since there are no nerves supplying sensation to the skin in the area of incision. Furthermore, scarring is also less of a concern.

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