The Papineau bone graft: a limb salvage technique.

The Papineau bone graft is a limb salvage technique that is an effective treatment alternative to amputation for problematic, infected nonunion of long bone. The graft technique involves radical open bone debridement, cancellous bone grafting over a granulation tissue base, delayed soft tissue closure, and immobilization of the affected extremity. A cooperative effort is necessary between the patient and health care team to ensure the success of the graft procedure. A case study is presented in this article detailing the care involved for a patient undergoing the Papineau procedure.