Primary reconstruction of traumatic bony defects using allografts.

We retrospectively reviewed 207 patients suffering from traumatic bone defect who had been treated at our institution between 1973 and 1993. Three types of traumatic bone defects were identified: I, minor; II, major cortical; III, major articular. Each type was further subdivided into: A, open injury; B, closed injury. The proposed treatment modality of each type was included within each classification. Types II and III posed the greatest difficulties in management. However, massive bone allografts can be successfully used in these situations, even in the early phases of treatment, but only given specific prerequisites.