Trochanteric bone grafts in foot and ankle surgery

Eighty-five patients who underwent trochanteric bone graft harvest in association with foot and ankle surgery were studied retrospectively by patient questionnaire. The average follow-up was 49 months (range, 14-101 months). Ninety-five percent of the patients expressed satisfaction with the procedure, in that they would choose to accept the trochanteric bone graft again if required to make the choice. However, 31% of the patients acknowledged some degree of hip discomfort and 4% reported some daily pain. Nineteen of 85 patients (22%) were treated for trochanteric pain. Most patients responded to strengthening/stretching and heat/ice. Four patients (5%) had failed or delayed union of the arthrodesis in which trochanteric bone graft was utilized. The greater trochanter may be considered as an alternative for major bone graft when the iliac bone is not available and when weightbearing is restricted for at least 6 weeks after surgery. As with the use of iliac bone graft, patients should be alerted to the possibility of postoperative discomfort. Surgical details should be followed to minimize the risk of peritrochanteric fracture.