Calvarial Bone Graft Harvest: A New Technique

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the use of a new calvarial bone graft-harvesting device (BHD). STUDY DESIGN: A total of 18 calvarial bone grafts (CBGs) were harvested from 9 cadavers with the BHD. The recorded parameters included drilling time, graft harvest time, graft size, graft integrity, and violation of the calvarial inner table. Five CBGs were subsequently harvested in vivo and used for 2 nasal reconstructions and 3 orbital reconstructions. RESULTS: The CBG dimensions ranged from 1.25 to 2.5 cm in width and 3.0 to 16.0 cm in length. Graft harvest time ranged from 5 minutes, 55 seconds to 25 minutes, 30 seconds (mean 13 minutes, 7 seconds). There were no fractured grafts. The cadaveric inner table was violated twice with a cutting burr, and 1 dural exposure occurred in the clinical study. CONCLUSION: Although caution must be used with all CBGs, the BHD appears to be safe and more efficient than osteotomes or oscillating saws.