First clinical experience with heterologous cancellous bone grafting combined with the fibrin adhesive system (F.A.S.).

Heterologous bone grafts are mostly refused for bone transplantation because of the low osteogenic potency. The remodelling of the heterografts can be improved significantly by application of a fibrin-adhesive-system. Between 1977 and 1979 thirty-five bone defects caused by bone tumors resp. seven times by osteomyelitis were operated on and closed with cancellous Kiel-bone grafts (Braun, Melsungen) soaked thoroughly with fibrin-glue (Tissel/Tissucol TM, Immuno AG, Vienna). Postoperatively there were two infections, but none of them in our osteomyelitic cases. After an average follow-up period of 24.6 months (15-36), the highly satisfying, preliminary results were exactly analysed. Despite the relatively short postoperative time, in almost all cases the complete remodelling of the heterografts into new bone tissue could be observed. A formula to calculate the amount of fibrin-glue, necessary for the procedure, is given.