MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Bone graft

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Bone graft

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Description Indications	Risks Expectations after surgery Convalescence

Alternative names

Autograft; Allograft

Definition Return to top

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).

Description Return to top

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 Return to top

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)

Risks Return to top

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

Reactions to medications
Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery include the following:

Bleeding
Infection

Expectations after surgery Return to top

Most bone grafts are successful in helping the bone defect to heal with little risk of graft rejection.

Convalescence Return to top

Recovery time depends on the injury or defect being treated and generally varies from 1 to 10 days. Vigorous exercise may be restricted for up to 3 months.

Update Date: 1/15/2003

Updated 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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