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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Computed Tomography and Optical Imaging of Osteogenesis-angiogenesis Coupling to Assess Integration of Cranial Bone Autografts and Allografts
Published on: December 22, 2015
Magnetic resonance imaging of massive bone allografts with histologic correlation
E G Hoeffner1, J R Ryan, F Qureshi
1Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to better understand the MRI appearance of massive bone allografts.
Design:
The MRI findings of three massive bone allografts imaged in vivo were correlated with the histologic findings following removal of the allografts. A fourth allograft, never implanted, was imaged and evaluated histologically.
Patients:
Allografts were placed for the treatment of primary or recurrent osteosarcoma.
Results And Conclusions:
The in-vivo allografts have a heterogeneous appearance on MRI which we attribute to the revascularization process. Fibrovascular connective tissue grows into the graft in a patchy, focal fashion, down the medullary canal from the graft-host junction and adjacent of the periosteum. The marrow spacers are initially devoid of normal cellular elements and occupied by fat and gelatinous material. This normal postoperative appearance of massive bone allografts must be interpreted as recurrent neoplasm or infection in the allograft. Recognition of these complications rests on features outside the marrow.
