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Bone graft

Definition:
A bone graft is surgery to place new bone into spaces between or around broken bone (fractures) or holes (defects) in bone. New bone to be grafted around fractures or defects can be taken from the patient's own healthy bone (autograft) or from frozen, donated bone (allograft).

Alternative Names:

Autograft; Allograft



Description:

An incision is made over the bone defect and the bone graft is shaped and inserted into and around the defect. The graft is held in place with pins, plates, or screws. The incisions are stitched closed. A splint or cast is usually used to prevent injury or movement while healing.



Indications:
Bone grafts are used for the following:
  • Treatment of bone breaks (fractures) with bone loss
  • Repair of injured bone that has not healed
  • Treatment of joints to prevent movement (fusion)


Review Date: 1/15/2003
Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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