Intramedullary Foreign Bodies within Fresh-Frozen Fibular Cortical Allograft: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2021 Oct 27;11(4). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.21.00397.

Abstract

Case: A 71-year-old man with a proximal humerus fracture nonunion underwent surgery augmented by a fibular cortical strut allograft. On placing the allograft within the proximal humerus, fluoroscopic images showed 2 foreign bodies found to be broken drill bits located within the allograft. The drill bits were extracted, and the allograft was reprepared for use.

Conclusion: After 2 years of follow-up, no significant sequela related to the foreign bodies was noted. To the best of our knowledge, this case report represents the first-of-its-kind occurrence of broken drill bits found within bone allograft.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Allografts
  • Bone Plates
  • Fibula / transplantation
  • Foreign Bodies* / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Shoulder Fractures* / surgery