Bone graft
Definition
A bone graft is surgery to place new bone into spaces around a broken bone or bone defects.
Alternative Names
Autograft; Allograft
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
Convalescence
Recovery time depends on the injury or defect being treated and generally varies from 2 weeks to 2 months. Vigorous exercise may be restricted for up to 6 months.
Expectations after surgery
Most bone grafts help the bone defect to heal with little risk of graft rejection.
Risks
The risks for any anesthesia include:
- Reactions to medications
- Problems breathing
The risks for any surgery include:
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.
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