Abstract

Reconstruction of a major bone loss remains a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Most of the bone defects result from a bone tumour resection whereas a post-traumatic bone loss is more rare due to the numerous options available for bone fixation. However in high-energy trauma, the injury to bone may be so extensive as to justify removal of fragmented bone. A 57-year-old man presented with a severe injury at the thigh after a hunting accident, including a comminuted fracture of the femoral shaft. After thorough debridement, he was left with a large diaphyseal bone defect which was subsequently treated with a structural bone allograft, autogenous graft and rhBMP-7. Bone healing was achieved after several months.