Bone graft

 

Alternative Names

Autograft; Allograft

Definition

A bone graft is surgery to place new bone or bone substitutes into spaces around a broken bone or bone defects.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Bone grafts are used to:

  • Fuse joints to prevent movement
  • Repair broken bones (fractures) that have bone loss
  • Repair injured bone that has not healed

Risks

Risks of the procedure include:

  • Reactions to medications
  • Problems breathing
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Pain at the place on the body where the bone was removed

After the Procedure

Recovery time depends on the injury or defect being treated and the size of the bone graft. Your recovery may take 2 weeks to 3 months. The bone graft itself will take up to 3 months or longer to heal.

You may be told to avoid extreme exercise for up to 6 months. Ask your doctor or nurse what you can and cannot safely do.

You will need to keep the bone graft area clean and dry.Your doctor or nurse will give you instructions about showering.

Do not smoke. Smoking slows or prevents bone healing. If you smoke, the graft is more likely to fail.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most bone grafts help the bone defect heal with little risk of graft rejection.

References

Crenshaw AH, Jr. Surgical techniques and approaches. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2012:chap 1.

Review Date: 9/8/2014
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francosco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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