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Mid-term Union Rates of Subtalar and Ankle Arthrodesis Using rhPDGF-BB and beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Synthetic Graft
Colin O'Neill1, Abhinav Bhamidipati1, Aayush Mehta1
1Foot & Ankle Research and Innovation Lab (FARIL), Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Background:
Synthetic graft supplements such as Augment (recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB [rhPDGF-BB] and beta-tricalcium phosphate [β-TCP]) are increasingly used to promote fusion in foot and ankle arthrodesis. However, mid- to long-term outcomes remain underreported. This study assessed union rates and time to union with and without graft supplementation in ankle and subtalar fusions.
Methods:
A retrospective review of 112 patients from 3 centers was conducted. Patients who received synthetic grafts formed the case group; those without any graft formed the control group. Postoperative radiographs and CT scans were used to assess union status and time to union. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (P < .05 significant).
Results:
Patients receiving graft supplementation had significantly faster union (160.5 ± 116.2 days) than controls (248.4 ± 282.3 days, P < .01). Nonunion rates did not differ significantly between groups (P = .71).
Conclusion:
Synthetic graft supplementation accelerates time to union in ankle and subtalar arthrodesis, potentially enabling earlier recovery and reduced rehabilitation costs. Further research is warranted.Level of Evidence: 3.
