[Bone matrix gelatin. Clinical application in 38 cases].

Bone matrix gelatin (BMG) was prepared and used clinically as graft-stuff in 38 patients. It was used to fill the bone defects resulted from excision of benign bone tumors (22 patients) and debridement of chronic osteomyelitis (3), to treat delayed union of fractures (5), and to make posterior spinal fusion (8). Fourty-five days after operation, speckles or flakes of dense shadow appeared in the film at the original defects and fields. In 2 to 6 months, bony union took place in 36 patients (95%). Failure was noted in 2 patients with chronic osteomyelitis. Because of its excellent osteo-inductive property and nonantigenic treat, BMG has been proved to be an ideal substitute for bone graft. It is easy to prepare, safe for storage at room temperature and sound for transportation.