Osteosynthesis with allograft screws in pediatric orthopedics: preliminary results

Background A significant percentage of patients develop complications related to the use of implants made of stainless steel or titanium. The purpose of our study is to retrospectively analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of allograft screws implanted in the Pediatric Orthopedic unit of our center. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted, including 30 patients (16 females, 14 males) with lower limb pathologies who received 50 human cortical bone allograft screws. The study period covered 24 months, from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2023. The average age was 12 years 7 months (range 3, 15 years). The mean follow-up was 14 months (range 8–24). Results After an average follow-up of 14 months, no patients developed minor or major complications, delayed union, or infections. Three patients reported discomfort due to implant prominence, and two of them (7%) required reoperation for screw head remodeling. The average resorption time was 9 months (range 5, 15 months). The postoperative AOFAS score increased by 38.28 points (statistical study) compared to the preoperative score. Conclusion Cortical bone allograft screws are an effective and safe osteosynthesis method for lower limb pathologies in pediatric orthopedics. It is important to avoid implant prominences that may cause discomfort to the patient and potentially require reoperation.