The syringe technique for minimally invasive bone grafting.

Abstract

Standard techniques of bone grafting for nonunion involve extensive dissection of the soft tissues surrounding the nonunion site to gain exposure and facilitate placement of the graft. Successful minimally invasive grafting has been described; however, it can involve difficulties in graft placement or require the use of advanced, expensive technical equipment. We describe a simple, inexpensive technique in which the distal end of a standard syringe is trimmed to provide a conduit for minimally invasive delivery of bone graft material. Three illustrative case reports are discussed in which this technique achieved successful union without operative morbidity.