Concentrated bone marrow aspirate applications in bony fusion for foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery: A review

Abstract

There is an emerging role for orthobiologic adjuncts including concentrated bone marrow aspirate (CBMA) for the treatment of bony pathology of the foot and ankle. Animal studies and basic science investigations have provided the framework for the theoretical benefit of CBMA in augmenting bone healing. There is moderate to high level evidence to support the use of CBMA injectate for the non-operative treatment of delayed or non-union of bony fracture, possibly decreasing the need for surgical fixation and open fracture site augmentation, especially in high-risk patients. Additionally, direct application of CBMA or use of CBMA in conjunction with autograft, allograft, or bioceramics has shown promise in enhancing bony union in revision surgery for nonunion. Individual studies have indicated that CMBA could augment the rate of union for arthrodesis procedures of the foot and ankle, but systematic reviews have called this finding into question. Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) may benefit little from CBMA; although initial accelerated healing of OLTs may occur, ultimate fibrocartilaginous repair may predominate. CBMA exhibits significant potential in the treatment of bony foot and ankle pathology, but additional high-quality, randomized controlled trials are needed to justify the cost burden and potential donor site morbidity associated with CBMA harvest.