Proximal tibial bone graft: the volume of cancellous bone, and strength of decancellated tibias by the medial approach

This study aimed to assess the volume of cancellous bone harvested by the medial approach from proximal tibia and compare the maximal compressive strength of decancellated tibias with intact tibias. Twelve cadavers were studied (11 male; 1 female). Cadavers with a history of bone disease and female cadavers over 60 years of age were excluded. Cancellous bone was taken from the right proximal tibia by the medial approach. Non-compressed and compressed cancellous bone volume was measured. Maximal compressive strength of decancellated tibias and intact tibias was measured and compared. The mean volume of bone harvested was 14.58 ± 3.30 ml with the non-compress technique (range 10.5–19.5 ml) and 6.62 ± 1.60 ml (range 4.0–9.2 ml) with the compress technique. There was no significant difference between the maximal compressive strength of the decancellated tibias and the intact tibias (P = 0.085). Sufficient volume of cancellous bone for bone grafting in the oral maxillofacial surgery region can be harvested from the proximal tibia by the medial approach. The strength of decancellated tibias and intact tibias after harvesting cancellous bone graft were not different.