This case series was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of using an allogeneic cancellous bone sponge for augmentation of foot and ankle arthrodeses. Twenty-five patients were prospectively enrolled in the study prior to undergoing fusion and were then followed for 12 months postoperatively. There were 45 joints: 7 ankles, 12 subtalars, 12 talonaviculars, 6 calcaneocuboids, 1 naviculocuneiform, 6 first tarsometatarsals, and 1 second tarsometatarsal. Patient-reported outcomes of pain (visual analog scale) and function (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score) were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 and 12 months. No complications were noted intraoperatively or during the follow-up period. Three months postoperatively, radiographic osseous union was noted in 52% (13/25) of patients, which further increased to 96% (24/25) of patients at 6 and 12 months. There was no statistically significant difference in union time between joints [H(6)=11.5; P=.08]. Statistically significant improvements in pain (P≤.002) and function (P<.001) were observed across assessments. This study demonstrated that the cancellous bone sponge appears to be a safe and efficacious product. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to determine if the allogeneic cancellous sponge improves fusion rate, pain, and function.
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