Treatment of delayed union of long bones by percutaneous injection of autologous stem cells

Background. Disturbances in the union of bone fractures is a complication which prolongs treatment time, having a measurable influence on the costs and also connected with serious hardship and even invalidism of the patient. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of percutaneous bone marrow grafting for the treatment of delayed union of the long bone. Material and Methods. Thirty-seven patients were treated in 2001 to 2005 at the Clinic of Traumatology and Hand Surgery of the Silesian Piasts University of Medicine in Wroclaw, Poland by percutaneous bone marrow grafting because of delayed union of the long bone. Injections were three times every two weeks. Ten milliliters of marrow were aspirated and injected percutaneously immediately into and around the delayed union under radiological control. Results. Bone union following percutaneous bone marrow injection was achieved in 28 of the 37 patients. The average time to union following the first injection was 16 weeks. Conclusions. Stromal steam cells possess osteogennic properties which can be useful in the treatment of delayed union. Percutaneous injection with autologous stem cells is an effective treatment to induce bone healing and prevent nonunion.