Prophylactic internal fixation of the radial osteocutaneous donor site

• Published in: British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery Vol. 45; no. 7; pp. 576 - 578
• Main Authors: Avery, C.M.E, Danford, M, Johnson, P.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Londonc Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2007; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Bone; Bone Plates; Bone Transplantation - adverse effects; Dentistry; Donor site; Flap; Fracture; Humans; Medical sciences; Morbidity; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Plate; Radius; Radius Fractures - etiology; Radius Fractures - prevention & control; Retrospective Studies; Skin Transplantation - adverse effects; Surgery; Tissue and Organ Harvesting - adverse effects; Radius; Flap; Donor site; Fracture; Bone; Morbidity; Plate; Prevention; Internal fixation; Treatment; Stomatology; Surgery; Osteosynthesis
• ISSN: 0266-4356; 1532-1940
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2006.08.025

Abstract The technique of prophylactic internal fixation (PIF) of the radial osteocutaneous donor site is described and reviewed. Twenty-two donor sites were reinforced with a 3.5 mm dynamic compression plate across the anterior defect. The incidence of fracture was 4.5% (1 out of 22). The single fracture was due to a technical error and was managed conservatively. Fracture at a donor site that has not been plated is more frequent and often becomes displaced, requiring secondary surgery. In contrast, the incidence of fracture, displacement and secondary surgery following prophylactic internal fixation (PIF) is relatively low. There have been no significant long-term complications with PIF. It is now the method of choice for managing the radial osteocutaneous donor site.