Feasibility evaluation of the induced membrane technique with structural autologous strip bone graft management of phalangeal and metacarpal segmental defects using radiography

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and evaluate the clinical outcomes of treatment for phalangeal and metacarpal segmental defects with the induced membrane technique and autologous structural bone grafting. METHODS: Sixteen patients who sustained phalangeal or metacarpal bone segmental defects were treated by the induced membrane technique and autologous structural bone grafting from June 2020 to June 2021 at our center. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 24 weeks (range, 12–40 weeks). Radiography demonstrated union of all bone grafts after an average of 8.6 weeks (range, 8–12 weeks). All incisions at donor and recipient sites demonstrated primary heal without infection complications. The mean visual analog scale score of the donor site was 1.8 (range, 0–5), with a good score in 13 cases and a fair score in 3. The mean total active motion of the fingers was 179.9°. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of the induced membrane technique and structural treatment with a cylindrical bone graft for segmental bone defects of the metacarpal or phalanx is demonstrated by follow-up radiography results. The bone graft provided much more stability and structural support in the bone defects, and the bone healing time and bone union rate were ideal.