Bone graft substitutes in the radius and upper limb

The use of bone graft substitutes has expanded rapidly with advances in product type and availability. Their use in the upper extremity has centered mostly on the distal radius because fractures at this location are often associated with poor bone quality and loss of support. With newer types of bone substitutes becoming commercially available, the applications to other reconstructive issues in the upper limb has expanded. This article identifies the major types of graft substitutes available or in development, and reviews their unique features and capabilities. The indications and potential indications for graft substitutes in the distal radius and the upper limb are discussed, as well as the future directions of graft substitutes.