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Review
. 2021 Feb;35(1):25-30.
doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1723833. Epub 2021 May 10.

Vascularized Scapular Bone Grafting: Indications, Techniques, Clinical Outcomes, and Alternatives

Edward M Reece  1   2 , Rebecca C O'Neill  1 , Matthew J Davis  1   2 , Amjed Abu-Ghname  1   2 , Alexander E Ropper  3 , Michael Bohl  4 , David S Xu  3 , Sebastian J Winocour  1
Affiliations
Review

Vascularized Scapular Bone Grafting: Indications, Techniques, Clinical Outcomes, and Alternatives

Edward M Reece et al. Semin Plast Surg. 2021 Feb.

Abstract

Spinal fusion can be challenging to obtain in patients with complex spinal pathology. Medial scapular vascularized bone grafts (S-VBGs) are a novel approach to supplement cervicothoracic arthrodesis in patients at high risk of failed spinal fusion. In this article, we discuss the benefits of using VBGs compared with both nonvascularized bone grafts and free vascularized bone flaps and the surgical technique, feasibility, and limitations specific to the S-VBG.

Keywords: autograft; medial scapula graft; pseudoarthrosis; spinal fusion; spinoplastic reconstruction; vascularized bone graft.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Dr. Ropper receives consulting fees from Globus Medical and Stryker, but have no conflict with this article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Illustration showing how the medial scapular vascularized bone graft can be rotated to augment spinal fusion. Reprinted with permission of Baylor College of Medicine.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Preoperative lateral X-ray of patient with a 9-month history of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and kyphotic chin-on-chest cervical spine deformity successfully treated with spinal fusion augmented with a scapular vascularized bone graft.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Intraoperative photograph showing secured scapular vascularized bone graft rotated in place to supplement spinal instrumentation and promote fusion.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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