Vascularized Periosteal Grafts for Bone Union in Children: A Systematic Review.

Background: The periosteum is the main organ responsible for bone regeneration. Vascularized Periosteal Grafts (VPG) have demonstrated exceptional efficacy and speed in facilitating bone union among children with challenging bone healing conditions. Despite their promising results, the overall impact of these interventions has yet to be comprehensively evaluated through systematic review. This systematic review aimed to provide comprehensive insights into bone union outcomes and complications related to the use of VPG in children.

Materials and methods: MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane Library were searched from database inception to September 2023 and screened for relevant studies. Data were collected regarding patient demographics, disease, treatment, anatomical location, graft used, donor and receptor vessels, skin paddle monitoring, follow-up duration, time to union, consolidation, and complications. The correlation between age and bone union was assessed using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, as appropriate. Study quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies Criteria.

Results: A total of 15 studies involving 135 patients were included. All the studies were classified as Level 4 evidence. The mean MINORS score was 5.1 ± 1. The aim of the VPG was nonunion treatment in 90 patients (67%), nonunion prevention in 35 patients (26%), and bone union acceleration in 10 patients (7%). The origin of the bone union problem was traumatic in 59 cases (44%), congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia or fibula in 48 patients (35%), oncologic in 23 patients (17%), and infectious in 5 patients (4%). Nine different sources of periosteal flaps were used to enhance bone union. Bone union rate was 96% with a mean time of 4.2 months (range 1-18 months). Spearman test showed a non-statistically significant negative correlation between age and bone union time (r = -0.3, p = 0.759).

Conclusions: VPGs are a safe and reliable treatment for promoting bone union, especially in the context of complex pediatric bone-healing challenges.