Evaluation of full cortical allografts in 25 dogs

Twenty-five dogs received 26 cortical allografts from Apr 9, 1976 through Jan 31, 1982. Cortical allografts were used to reconstruct fractures of the femur, humerus, tibia, radius, and ulna. These grafts were used to replace comminuted fragments; to lengthen bones; to correct malunions, delayed unions, and nonunions; and in one case, to replace bone lost to sequestrum formation in an infected fracture site. All fractures were stabilized by use of standard ASIF techniques and dynamic compression plates. Frozen bone allografts were used in all cases. These were harvested aseptically and stored in a household freezer for 3 days to one year before use. Clinically normal function was achieved in 96% of the dogs.