Application of Bone Allograft in Diaphyseal Critical-sized Bone Defects: Lesson from Clinical Reports

A critical-sized bone defect has always posed a constant clinical challenge since there is a lack of agreement on the best treatment methods. The application of allograft in a model defect in animal studies showed promising results. However, there are still limited clinical reports on allograft application for critical-sized bone defects since most clinical studies use more established techniques such as vascularized fibular graft, distraction osteogenesis, and induced membrane technique. This review will summarize allograft clinical application to understand if allograft, despite its limitation, may serve as an ideal alternative to treat critical-sized bone defects. The review included six reports of allograft application in various etiologies. The allografts application is a promising approach when dealing with critical-sized bone defects. Defects of various sizes and etiologies can be successfully managed with bone allografts when certain favourable indications and conditions are fulfilled.