Bone graft

A bone graft is surgery to place new bone into spaces around a broken bone or in between holes and defects in bone. The new bone can be taken from the patient's own healthy bone (this is called an autograft) or from frozen, donated bone (allograft).

Autograft; Allograft

An cut 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.

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

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