ACTIFUSE FLOW vs ACTIFUSE SHAPE for fracture void filling

Straight answer for surgeons at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, OH. Fracture repair graft choice made simple.

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You're in the middle of a case at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. A distal radius fracture is open on the table. The metaphyseal void is staring back at you. ACTIFUSE FLOW is in a syringe, SHAPE is on the shelf. You need to decide which graft fills this defect best, right now.

A distal radius fracture often leaves a metaphyseal void after reduction. The defect can be narrow and deep, or wide and shallow. ACTIFUSE FLOW is a putty that extrudes from a syringe. It flows into tight spaces without overpacking. ACTIFUSE SHAPE is a moldable strip that holds its form. It stays put in a shallow cavity while you close. Knowing which to use comes down to the void geometry.

The choice affects your OR time and graft waste. FLOW fills quickly from the syringe, so you use only what you need. SHAPE lets you cut and mold, but you might discard unused pieces. For a deep, narrow void, FLOW can save you minutes and product. For a wide, shallow defect, SHAPE reduces the risk of graft migration, which could mean fewer post-op issues.

Next time you face this call, think about the void. If it’s deep and narrow, reach for ACTIFUSE FLOW. If it’s wide and shallow, grab ACTIFUSE SHAPE. If the defect is both deep and wide, start with FLOW to fill the bottom, then cap it with SHAPE. Need a second opinion during the case? Elite Surgical reps cover Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and can walk you through the decision.

You close with confidence. The void is filled completely, the graft stays in place, and your fixation holds. Your patient gets a clean path for new bone to grow across the defect. No more wondering which product to pick.

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Other things people in Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center ask

bone graft for large tibial plateau defect

Pick a graft that resists compression and supports the articular surface. A moldable, high-porosity graft like ALTAPORE SHAPE packs into irregular voids and stays put. For smaller subchondral gaps, a flowable graft delivered by syringe gives complete fill without leaving dead space. Always use it with rigid internal fixation; the graft is not load-bearing on its own.

weight bearing after tibial plateau fracture with synthetic bone graft

Weight bearing depends on the fixation, not the graft. The graft provides a scaffold for bone ingrowth but does not add immediate structural support. Follow your standard postoperative protocol for the plate and screws. Most patients stay non-weight-bearing for 8 to 12 weeks, with progression based on X-ray healing. The graft will remodel over that time; early loading does not speed it up.

how to choose bone graft substitute for distal radius fracture

Match the graft form to the void shape. For a small, contained cavity, a flowable graft in a syringe (like ACTIFUSE FLOW) fills every corner without overpacking. For a larger, uncontained defect, a moldable graft (like ACTIFUSE SHAPE) holds its form and does not migrate. If you need antibiotic delivery, ACTIFUSE ABX gives you enhanced handling plus the option to mix in powdered antibiotics. Avoid granules that can scatter into the joint.

cost of bone graft substitute for calcaneus fracture

Calcaneus fractures often need 5cc to 10cc of graft. Price it by volume, not by level. Synthetic grafts like ACTIFUSE are priced per cc. Ask your rep for a per-case cost breakdown that includes the delivery system. Compare that to the cost of a second surgery if the void is left unfilled or collapses.

synthetic bone graft safe open fracture

Synthetic grafts like ACTIFUSE are inorganic and do not provide a food source for bacteria the way allograft can. They can be used in a contaminated field after thorough debridement and irrigation. Many surgeons place the graft at the index procedure to maintain space and deliver local antibiotics mixed into the graft. If there is gross purulence, stage the grafting for a second look 48 to 72 hours later.

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Elite Surgical handles fracture repair in Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and the area around it.

Contact Us (440) 488-0091

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