Low Donor Site Morbidity Associated With Tricortical Calcaneal Bone Graft.

BACKGROUND

Autologous grafting is widely used in orthopaedic surgery because of its high osteogenic capacity, immunologic compatibility, for the absence of risk of disease transmission, and for not requiring a bone bank. The posterior-superior calcaneal tuberosity is an option for obtaining a cortical and cancellous structural bone. This study aims to describe the operative technique and complications observed at the donor site of the posterior-superior calcaneal tuberosity.

METHODS

Patients who underwent graft harvesting from the posterior-superior calcaneal tuberosity were retrospectively evaluated by pain outcomes, imaging tests, and intra- and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Twenty patients with a median age of 69 years (range 48-77) and follow-up of 16 months (12-26) were assessed. Median postoperative pain at the donor site was 0 (0-6), with 2 patients reporting persistent local pain. No case of Achilles tendon rupture or intra- or postoperative calcaneal fracture were identified. One patient developed a superficial infection that was quickly resolved using oral antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSION

The posterior-superior calcaneal tuberosity is an alternative source of autologous graft with low donor site morbidity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.