[Biomechanical study on bone grafts harvested from cadavers]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Reconstructive Surgery

Context:

• Free revascularized bone grafts are a well-established technique in head and neck reconstruction surgery.
• Various donor sites are available for harvesting these grafts.
• Limited data exists on the biomechanical properties of different bone graft options.

Purpose:

• To compare the biomechanical properties, specifically stiffness, of commonly used bone grafts for head and neck reconstruction.
• To evaluate the suitability of iliac crest, radius, scapula (lateral edge and spine), and fibula grafts against mandibular bone.

Summary:

• The study analyzed the stiffness of 18 cadaver bone graft samples (iliac crest, radius, scapula, fibula) and 6 mandible samples.
• Results indicate that the fibula graft exhibits stiffness comparable to mandibular bone.
• Other tested bone grafts (iliac crest, radius, scapula) showed significantly lower stiffness values.

Impact:

• Provides crucial biomechanical data to guide the selection of optimal bone grafts in head and neck reconstruction.
• Highlights the fibula as a potentially superior graft option for mandibular reconstruction due to its stiffness.
• Informs surgical planning and improves patient outcomes by matching graft biomechanics to defect requirements.