Concentrated Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Mononuclear Cells may have Positive Effect on Treatment of Long Bones Fracture Nonunion

Nonunion is a serious complication following long-bone fracture that is known as a therapeutic challenge for surgeons and is associated with significant morbidity. It has been shown that osteogenesis stimulating factors combined with optimization of the mechanical environment could facilitate and accelerate nonunion healing. In this study, we aimed to treat nonunion using autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell (BMDMC) aspirate as a source of osteoprogenitor cells combined with internal fixation.

From November 2010 to May 2013, 19 cases of nonunion were treated with bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell (BMDMC) grafting, that included 15 males and 4 females with an average age of 37.8 years (range, 18-81 years). The time from injury to therapy was 7 to 28 months, with an average of 13.4 months. At first, decortications were performed around the nonunion site to prepare a suitable bed for bone marrow grafting. Then, 2 ml of bone marrow concentrated cells was applied to the nonunion site in a mixture with partially demineralized cortical cancellous allograft chips. The healing rate in each patient was clinically and radiologically evaluated every 4 weeks.

Bone union was obtained in 18 of the 19 patients during 1.06 to 6 months with an average time of 3.5 months. No complications during anesthesia nor any infection, hematoma or chronic pain at the nonunion site were observed in any patient.

Transplantation of autologous BMDMC aspirate is a reasonable, effective and easy treatment option for tibial and femoral nonunion after internal fixation.