A bone graft is surgery to place new bone into spaces around a broken bone or bone defects.
Alternative Names:
Autograft; Allograft
Description:
The new bone can be taken from the patient's own healthy bone (this is called an autograft) or from frozen, donated bone (allograft).
A surgeon makes a cut over the bone defect. The bone graft is shaped and inserted into and around the area. The new bone is held in place with pins, plates, or screws. Stitches are used to close the wound. A splint or cast is usually used to prevent injury or movement while healing.
Indications:
Bone grafts are used to:
Repair broken bones (fractures) that have bone loss
Repair injured bone that has not healed
Fuse joints to prevent movement
Risks:
The risks for any anesthesia include:
Reactions to medications
Problems breathing
The risks for any surgery include:
Bleeding
Infection
Review Date: 10/23/2006
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
General Orthopaedics
