Intraoperative Bioactivation of Bone Substitutes Using a Surgical Suction Handle: A Prospective Clinical Pilot Study.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Critical size bone defects (CSBD) pose significant challenges in orthopedic surgery.
• Autologous bone grafting, the gold standard, has limitations like donor-site morbidity and limited availability.
• Synthetic bone substitutes lack osteoinductive properties and are avital, necessitating improved strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraoperative bioactivation of bone substitutes using a surgical suction handle.
• To assess the regenerative potential of synthetically enhanced bone grafts in patients with CSBD.

Main Methods:

• Fifty patients with CSBD, non-unions, or high-risk defects were enrolled.
• Calcium phosphate-based ceramics were coated with autologous tissue intraoperatively using a surgical suction handle.
• Implanted grafts were assessed for clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Main Results:

• All patients achieved excellent clinical outcomes (pain, range of motion, wound healing).
• Radiographic follow-up demonstrated progressive bone formation in all cases.
• Surgeons reported high ease-of-use, with no device-related complications.

Conclusions:

• Intraoperative bioactivation of bone substitutes is a safe, feasible, and minimally invasive approach.
• This technique effectively promotes local bone regeneration in challenging defects.
• Enhanced synthetic grafts offer a practical alternative to traditional bone grafting methods.