Vascularized bone transfer: evaluation of viability by postoperative bone scan.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Nuclear Medicine
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Vascularized bone transfer is a complex surgical procedure.
• Assessing the viability of transferred bone post-surgery is crucial for patient outcomes.
• Early detection of complications can prevent graft failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of radionuclide imaging in assessing vascularized bone transfer viability.
• To determine if early postoperative bone scans can predict clinical outcomes.
• To correlate imaging findings with union and graft survival rates.

Main Methods:

• 23 patients undergoing vascularized bone transfer were included.
• Radionuclide imaging (bone scans) were performed within the first postoperative week.
• Patients were followed for 6 to 45 months to assess clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

• Positive bone scans were observed in 16 patients, with over 60% achieving uncomplicated union and successful outcomes.
• Negative or equivocal scans were seen in 7 patients; only one healed successfully, and two experienced graft failure.
• Radionuclide imaging demonstrated high predictive value for clinical success or failure.

Conclusions:

• Early postoperative radionuclide imaging is a valuable tool for monitoring vascularized bone transfers.
• Bone scan results in the first week can reliably indicate the likelihood of successful graft integration.
• This imaging modality serves as an important prognostic indicator for vascularized bone grafts.