Wire mesh allows more revascularization than a strut in impaction bone grafting: an animal study in goats

Segmental defects can be reconstructed with a cortical strut or a metal wire mesh when using bone impaction grafting in the femur. We hypothesized that structural grafts would negatively influence revascularization of the underlying impacted grafts compared with an open wire mesh. A standardized large medial wall defect was reconstructed with a strut or a mesh in six goats per group. In all femurs impaction grafting was done in combination with a cemented collarless double-tapered highly polished Exeter stem. After 6 weeks the femurs were harvested. A high rate of periprosthetic fractures was observed (three of seven and two of six for the strut and mesh groups, respectively). Histologic analysis showed different revascularization and tissue ingrowth patterns for both reconstruction techniques. In the strut group, fibrous tissue ingrowth was limited to the edges of the defect. Medially behind the strut no or limited fibrous tissue ingrowth was found. In the mesh group, fibrous tissue and blood vessels penetrated the mesh and a superficial zone of revascularized grafts was observed. Although revascularization, concomitant graft resorption and bone incorporation may compromise the short-term stability of the stem after surgery, the long-term stability of the stem probably is best guaranteed by graft incorporation.