Post-traumatic first metatarsal reconstruction using coralline hydroxyapatite

Autogenous bone grafting has been the standard approach to reconstruction of trauma-induced metatarsal defects. However, this treatment has well-known disadvantages related to the harvesting, size, shape, and availability of autografts. The authors used a synthetic hydroxyapatite bone-graft substitute manufactured from a marine coral with a morphology similar to that of cancellous bone in the reconstruction of a large, post-traumatic first metatarsal defect. The authors found grafting with coralline hydroxyapatite to be a safe and effective substitute for autogenous bone grafting in the post-traumatic setting.